Jordanian-Syrian relations: A strategic partnership to confront challenges, promote stability

Jordanian-Syrian relations are a model of neighbourly relations that are affected by regional and international variables, but at the same time are based on common interests and deep historical, geographical and cultural ties. Despite the challenges faced by these relations, the two countries today seek to enhance cooperation in various fields, in a way that serves regional stability and achieves common interests.

Relations between Jordan and Syria extend back decades, as they share common borders and strong social and cultural ties. Since the independence of the two countries, these relations have witnessed periods of rapprochement and tension due to regional and international political variables. Despite this, Jordan has maintained a balanced policy towards Syria, recognizing the importance of coordination between the two countries in the security, economic and political fields.

On the political level, Jordan has played an important diplomatic role in supporting efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis politically, emphasizing the unity of Syria and the integrity of its territories and the need to reach a political settlement that ensures regional stability. The Jordanian leadership, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, has been keen to continuously coordinate with international and Arab parties to find a solution that achieves common interests and spares the region further conflicts. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, the King has called for a comprehensive political solution that preserves Syria's unity and spares the region the repercussions of the conflict. He has also been keen to keep communication channels open with Damascus, stressing the importance of security and political coordination to confront common challenges.

The Syrian crisis has posed a major security challenge to Jordan, especially with regard to the influx of refugees, arms and drug smuggling, and threats from terrorist groups. Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2011, Jordan has faced large waves of refugees, which has imposed economic and social pressures on it, but it has dealt with the crisis flexibly, providing humanitarian support and basic services despite the economic challenges.

As for security threats, drug and arms smuggling operations have escalated across the Jordanian-Syrian border, especially using drones, which has necessitated strict security measures by the Jordanian authorities. In this context, the Jordanian security services were keen to enhance coordination with their new Syrian counterparts to control the borders and prevent security threats, which reflects the common desire to achieve security and stability.

Jordanian-Syrian relations are not limited to security and political aspects, but extend to economic fields, which constitute a major axis of joint cooperation. Jordan is an important commercial gateway for Syria to the Gulf markets, and Syria, in turn, is a strategic passage for Jordanian goods heading to Turkey and Europe.

Economic relations between the two countries have witnessed a remarkable improvement in recent years, as the Jaber-Nassib border crossing was reopened, which contributed to increasing the volume of trade exchange. The reconstruction of Syria also opens up wide investment opportunities for Jordanian companies, especially in the infrastructure, energy and transportation sectors.

His Majesty has adopted a strategic approach in managing relations with Syria, based on wisdom and political pragmatism. In this context, King Abdullah's meetings with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara'a came to confirm Jordan's support for efforts to restore stability to Syria and enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. Jordan also stressed the need for coordination between the two countries in all fields.

In the context of his efforts to enhance the Arab role in the Syrian file, the King supported efforts to return Syria to the Arab League, stressing the need to enhance Arab coordination to resolve the crisis. Recent years have also witnessed high-level visits by Jordanian officials to Damascus, in a step that reflects the development of relations between the two countries and their orientation towards more cooperation and joint coordination.

Despite the challenges that Jordanian-Syrian relations have faced, there are positive indicators of their improvement, especially with the increase in official meetings between officials of the two countries, and the emphasis on the importance of cooperation to confront common challenges. It is expected that coordination between the two countries will continue in the security and economic fields, especially as Syria enters the reconstruction phase.

In light of regional transformations, Jordan realizes that the stability of Syria is an essential part of the stability of the region, so it will continue its efforts to enhance cooperation with Damascus, in a way that achieves common interests and enhances regional security and stability. Through continuous dialogue and joint action, Jordan and Syria can overcome challenges and build a more cooperative and stable future.

By Hasan Dajah is professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University