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AMMAN — The high-level meeting for Syria’s neighbouring countries in Amman wrapped up on Sunday, reaffirming support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their country, safeguard its stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting brought together the foreign ministers, defense ministers, chiefs of staff, and intelligence directors from Jordan, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.

A joint statement was issued following the meeting, saying that the participants discussed "practical mechanisms for cooperation in combating terrorism, drug and weapon smuggling, border security, addressing other shared challenges in the region, and the developments in Syria."

Participating countries affirmed support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their country based on principles that ensure Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of the rights and safety of all its citizens.

"Syria’s security and stability are essential for the security and stability of the region," participants in the meeting said, condemning all attempts to undermine Syria's security, sovereignty, and peace.

The statement also condemned Israel's Israeli aggression and interference in Syria, as "blatant violations of international law." The meeting called on the international community and the Security Council to carry out their responsibilities to end Israeli aggression and oblige Israel to withdrawal from all Syrian territories it occupies.

The meeting also welcomed the outcomes of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, and encouraged the brotherly Syrian people to finalise the constitutional declaration announced "as soon as possible."

The participants also denounced all forms of terrorism and called for establishng a joint operations centre to coordinate efforts in fighting the Daesh terror group, and supporting existing regional and international efforts and platforms to eliminate the radical organisation.

They also underlined the need for intensified cooperation and coordination in combating drug and weapon smuggling and transnational organised crime, offering support to Syria in enhancing its capabilities in this regard.

The statement also affirmed support for the Syria people in their reconstruction efforts and the need for amplifying international support for recovery projects, and strengthening Syria’s capacity to rebuild the state and overcome the obstacles to reconstruction.

The meeting also underlined the importance of  lifting sanctions on Syria to enhance its capacity for reconstruction and meet the needs of the Syrian people.

"Working together with neighboring countries, the international community, and relevant UN organizations to create the security, living, and political conditions that would enable the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland in accordance with international law. The international community must continue to bear full responsibility for refugees in host countries until their return to Syria is completed."

The statement said that a second meeting for Syria's neighbouring countries will be held  in Turkey next month to build on the discussions held in Amman.

AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Monday foiled a drug smuggling attempt involving a drone along the Kingdom's western border.

A source from the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) said, "Border Guards, in cooperation with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs, a small drone and remote control devices using another drone that attempted to cross the border.”

The JAF source said that rules of engagement were applied and the drone was downed inside Jordanian territory, adding that the seized materials were handed over to the relevant authorities."

The source emphasized that the JAF remain resolute in utilising all available resources to counter such operations, prevent infiltration and smuggling attempts, and safeguard the security and stability of the Kingdom.

AMMAN — Jordan hosted on Sunday the “Syria and Neighbouring Countries Meeting” in, bringing together key regional actors to discuss a coordinated approach to Syria’s security and stability. 

The meeting, which included foreign ministers, defence ministers, intelligence chiefs, and military officials from Jordan, Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, tackled pressing regional challenges, including border security, counterterrorism initiatives, and the ongoing refugee crisis.

It also underscored the region’s collective commitment to supporting Syria through its transitional phase and safeguarding regional peace.

The inaugural meeting focused on a unified regional stance to support Syria in its recovery and ensure the sovereignty of its state, protecting the rights of its citizens. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi highlighted Jordan’s commitment to the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity, stressing that the ultimate goal was to bring Syria back to stability and security.

Safadi also reiterated the importance of combatting terrorism, particularly the growing threat of ISIS. “A unified position was established to launch a collective effort to neutralise ISIS’s expanding influence, not only in Syria but throughout the region,” he said.

“We are united in our determination to work together to preserve the security of our nations,” Safadi added. “A threat to any country in the region is a threat to us all.”

Strengthening regional security

Following the discussions, Safadi and his counterparts held a joint press conference, outlining key outcomes and emphasising the importance of regional dialogue and coordination in fostering stability in Syria and the broader region.

Safadi highlighted the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria as a necessary step for its economic recovery. “Syria’s stability is fundamental to the security of the region,” Safadi said, noting that lifting sanctions would aid Syria’s reconstruction and bolster its institutional resilience.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shibani also called for lifting the sanctions to enable Syria’s sustainable development. “We are committed to ensuring peace for all Syrians. We have suffered the consequences of past atrocities, and we will work to prevent their recurrence,” he stressed.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasised the critical need for close coordination to combat the Daesh terror group. “Daesh's growing numbers and territorial reach are a serious concern. Combating this requires joint regional efforts, particularly in sharing intelligence and aligning our strategies,” Hussein said.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these sentiments, stressing that the security challenges in Syria cannot be solved in isolation. “Without a coordinated, multilateral effort, the crises will deepen, and instability will worsen."

Fidan also stressed the importance of turning dialogue into actionable solutions. “This meeting reinforced the need for a cooperative platform to ensure long-term stability and security."

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday hosted an iftar at the Royal Hashemite Court for heads of authorities, senior officials and officers, as well as media representatives.

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Feisal, adviser to His Majesty and National Policies Council chairperson; and Prince Rashid, adviser to His Majesty; as well as His Highness Prince Mired bin Ra’ad, chief royal councillor at the Royal Hashemite Court, attended the iftar.

The King joined the attendees in performing the maghreb prayer.

AMMAN — In a diplomatic move, Jordan on Sunday convened the “Syria and Neighbouring Countries Meeting” in Amman, bringing together key regional actors to discuss a coordinated approach to Syria’s security and stability. 

The meeting, which included foreign ministers, defence ministers, intelligence chiefs, and military officials from Jordan, Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, tackled pressing regional challenges, including border security, counterterrorism initiatives, and the ongoing refugee crisis.

It also underscored the region’s collective commitment to supporting Syria through its transitional phase and safeguarding regional peace.

The inaugural meeting focused on a unified regional stance to support Syria in its recovery and ensure the sovereignty of its state, protecting the rights of its citizens. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi highlighted Jordan’s commitment to the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity, stressing that the ultimate goal was to bring Syria back to stability and security.

Safadi also reiterated the importance of combatting terrorism, particularly the growing threat of ISIS. “A unified position was established to launch a collective effort to neutralise ISIS’s expanding influence, not only in Syria but throughout the region,” he said.

“We are united in our determination to work together to preserve the security of our nations,” Safadi added. “A threat to any country in the region is a threat to us all.”

Strengthening regional security

A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to confronting arms and drug smuggling, organised crime, and the rise of terrorist groups. Participants agreed on the importance of intelligence sharing, strategic collaboration and a united front to prevent the further destabilisation of the region.

Following the discussions, Safadi and his counterparts held a joint press conference, outlining key outcomes and emphasising the importance of regional dialogue and coordination in fostering stability in Syria and the broader region.

Safadi highlighted the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria as a necessary step for its economic recovery. “Syria’s stability is fundamental to the security of the region,” Safadi said, noting that lifting sanctions would aid Syria’s reconstruction and bolster its institutional resilience.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Shibani also called for lifting the sanctions to enable Syria’s sustainable development. “We are committed to ensuring peace for all Syrians. We have suffered the consequences of past atrocities, and we will work to prevent their recurrence,” he stressed.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasised the critical need for close coordination to combat ISIS’s resurgence. “ISIS’s growing numbers and territorial reach are a serious concern. Combating this requires joint regional efforts, particularly in sharing intelligence and aligning our strategies,” Hussein said.

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these sentiments, stressing that the security challenges in Syria cannot be solved in isolation. “Without a coordinated, multilateral effort, the crises will deepen, and instability will worsen,” Fidan warned.

Fidan also stressed the importance of turning dialogue into actionable solutions. “This meeting reinforced the need for a cooperative platform to ensure long-term stability and security,” he added.

With the success of the first meeting, Safadi announced that Türkiye would host the next round of talks in the coming month. "The goal is to institutionalise this diplomatic mechanism, ensuring that Syria receives consistent support and that the collective interests of all participating states are advanced," he added.

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a May 2022 State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug dealer to over three years in prison after convicting him of possessing illegal narcotics in Amman in December 2021.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent on December 1.

The SSC handed the defendant five years in prison for the offence of possessing illegal narcotics and ordered him to pay JD5,000 in fines.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD3,500 and the prison term to three years and four months in prison to give the defendant a second chance in life.

Court documents said the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) learnt the defendant was in possession of illegal narcotics and sent one of its agents to pose as a buyer.

 “The AND agent got in touch with the defendant and asked him for 16  Captagon pills in return for JD10,” court documents said.

When the two met, AND agents immediately arrested the suspect, court papers added.

Upon searching the defendant, the police officers found 41 additional Captagon pills and some amount of Hashish, the court added.

The defendant contested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to implicate his client”.

The lawyer argued that the court deprived her client of providing evidence in court, which could have exonerated him.

Meanwhile, the SSC prosecution office asked the higher court to uphold the sentence and the fine imposed on the defendant.

The higher court maintained that the SSC had followed the proper procedures in issuing the sentence against the defendant.

“It was clear to the court that the defendant confessed willingly to possessing the illegal drugs to sell in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassation judges were Mahmoud Ebtoush, Majid Azab, Hayel Amr, Ibrahim Abu Shamma and Mohammad Shreiri.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday signed an agreement to support agricultural exports of fruits and vegetables, with a total value of JD2 million.

The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and the Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruits and Vegetables, which is the primary beneficiary of the government’s financial support provided through the Agricultural Risk Fund.  

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat emphasised that the agreement aims to enhance Jordanian agricultural exports and open new markets by facilitating export processes and reducing air freight costs, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

This initiative aligns with the Economic Modernisation Vision and falls within the framework of the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture 2022-2025.  

Vice Chairman and CEO of RJ Samer Majali highlighted the strong government support behind the agreement, particularly from the Ministry of Agriculture, to increase fruit and vegetable exports.

He noted that RJ would play a key role in expanding to new markets such as Bucharest and Kazakhstan while increasing flights to Maastricht in Western Europe. Additionally, the airline plans to lower shipping costs to enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian products in global markets.  

Chairman of the Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruits and Vegetables Mazen Hamarneh expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture and RJ’s efforts in supporting exports.

He also commended the airline’s role as a national carrier that helps strengthen the presence of Jordanian agricultural products in international markets, ensuring their timely arrival with high quality.

AMMAN — The government of Japan has decided to extend a grant of $660,663 to World Vision Japan (WVJ), a Japanese Non-Governmental Organisation, to support the establishment of an inclusive education environment for vulnerable groups in Amman.

The grant contract was signed by Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Asari Hideki and Project Manager of World Vision Japan in Jordan Ikenoya Rie, according to an embassy statement.  

The grant assistance will support the creation of an inclusive learning environment where all children, with or without disabilities and regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, can receive learning support tailored to their diverse needs and continue their education.

Based in Amman, the project will focus on early identification of disabilities and early intervention in four targeted kindergartens, while also strengthening the capacity of education personnel and caregivers to support these children. It will enhance the capacity of teachers to provide inclusive education in seven primary schools and ensure the provision of barrier-free facilities and inclusive teaching materials. Additionally, the project will work to strengthen community support for inclusive education, fostering a more supportive and accessible learning environment. Leveraging the organisation’s extensive experience in this field, the project is expected to contribute to reducing social inequalities and empowering vulnerable children in Jordan, the statement said.

World Vision Japan in collaboration with World Vision Syria Response Office, has been supporting education in public schools in Jordan since 2014. The Government of Japan has previously extended a grant to WVJ from 2022 to 2025 to support the implementation of the Project for Strengthening the Support System for Primary and Secondary Education Enrolment and Learning for Vulnerable Groups in Irbid, with a total grant of $2,203,341. 

Building on the knowledge and experience gained through this initiative, the new project aims to take a more comprehensive approach to address the needs of vulnerable children while reinforcing a long-term education support system in partnership with local governments and organisations, the statement said.