Syrian President Bashar Assad on Monday received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi in Damascus. The meeting covered efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis and address its consequences, in addition to bilateral relations. Safadi highlighted Jordan’s efforts to gradually move towards a comprehensive solution that ends the crisis and addresses its humanitarian, security and political consequences internationally and in the context of the Arab track that was launched after the Jeddah and Amman meetings. The meeting focused on the voluntary return of refugees and the necessary steps to enable it. In his meeting with the Syrian President, Safadi also discussed the danger of drug smuggling across the Syrian border to the Kingdom and the necessity of cooperation in confronting it. President Bashar Assad stressed the importance of brotherly relations between Jordan and Syria, and the need to develop them to serve the interests of the two brotherly countries. Safadi and his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Al-Miqdad, held extensive talks that dealt with many bilateral issues, and the Arab track to contribute to resolving the Syrian crisis. The two ministers agreed on the composition of the joint committee to combat drug smuggling, and on a date for holding its first meeting in Amman. Holding meetings between relevant officials in the water, agriculture, transport and energy sectors was also agreed upon. The two ministers reviewed the preparations for the meeting of the Arab Liaison Committee expected to be held next month.

Source: Jordan News Agency