Amman, SANA- “On behalf of the Syrian people, I would like to thank the brotherly country of Jordan for receiving us. This visit will mark the beginning of a new era of relations that would achieve security and stability for the two countries,” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad al-Shaibani said.
During a press conference with his Jordanian counterpart on Tuesday, al-Shaibani added: ” We thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for what it has provided to Syrian refugees during the years of war, as it has showed the most beautiful forms of hospitality, and we invite our brothers in Jordan to visit Syria as tourists and guests.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that work is ongoing to further strengthen relations with the Kingdom of Jordan at all security, military and political levels.
Al-Shaibani thanked the Kingdom of Jordan for its support for the lifting of sanctions imposed against the Syrian people, which had become an obstacle to any positive action that would serve the Syrian people.
The Foreign Minister added that relations with Jordan are characterized by transparency and frankness, saying: “We see it as a political, economic and security opportunity to develop relations between the two countries in a way that would serve the interests of the two peoples, and I invite Jordanian companies and delegations to visit Syria.”
Al-Shaibani stressed that the new situation in Syria ended threats against Jordan from the Syrian side regarding arms and drug smuggling, saying “we are ready to cooperate intensively to control the border with the neighboring countries.”
“We view diversity in Syria as a source of strength for building a unified state, not as a problem,” the Foreign Minister added.
Al-Shaibani noted that the National Conference was postponed until an expanded preparatory committee could be formed to accommodate comprehensive representation of Syria from all segments and governorates, which would be a cornerstone in establishing the political identity of Syria in the future.
He pointed out that the previous regime left a large legacy of problems with the neighborhood, stressing the need to work to erase them from the Syrian political memory.
Al-Shaibani added that Syria will be a source of security, stability and cooperation with neighboring countries and the region, as Syria’s security is part of Jordan’s security and Jordan’s security is part of Syria’s security.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of lifting all sanctions that now target the Syrian people, because they need to recover on all levels as quickly as possible, and these sanctions are the most prominent obstacles to the recovery process.
Al-Shaibani said, “We are keen to complete our visits to all Arab countries, as there are many inquiries from our Arab brothers. We started with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, due to its status and effective role. We confirm that we are working to restore Syria’s effective and positive Arab role.”
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
