jordan pulse -

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Dr. Laith Abdullah Al-Qahwahi

Amid escalating diplomatic activity in the region, Jordanian-Syrian relations emerge as a critical issue with profound political, economic, and security implications. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi’s visit to Damascus, coinciding with other high-level visits from influential nations such as Qatar and Turkey, highlights growing regional and international interest in post-war Syria. This indicates a race to redefine spheres of influence in the country, with Jordan recognising the need to secure its role as a key regional player in shaping the upcoming phase.

Sharing a long border and a history of social and economic interconnectedness, Jordan and Syria have seen their border transform from a trade artery to a source of security and economic challenges over the past decade. Drug and arms smuggling, a key issue discussed during Safadi's visit, has been mitigated somewhat by the departure of key figures from the former Syrian regime, potentially opening doors for broader cooperation.

The visit reflects Jordan’s proactive vision, under royal directives, to explore opportunities for collaboration and recalibrate relations in alignment with evolving regional dynamics. With its geographical proximity and deep historical ties, Jordan holds a comparative advantage over other nations in engaging with Syria.

Economically, Syria offers Jordan a strategic depth. In 2011, transit trade alone between the two nations reached $700 million, alongside over $600 million in bilateral trade. Reactivating major border crossings like Bab al-Hawa could unlock significant economic potential. However, it remains unclear whether these critical issues were on the agenda during the visit.

Jordan’s resilience against past pressures from the Syrian regime positions it to play a pivotal role in Syria's reconstruction and stabilisation. Tribal connections between the two countries and the Syrian populace's trust in Jordan's monarchy provide a golden opportunity for Amman to re-establish itself as a central player in Syria. Achieving this, however, demands strategic planning and enhanced coordination between security and economic stakeholders.

Despite historical tensions, Jordan's foreign policy has proven flexible and adept at turning challenges into opportunities. The current approach aims to transition from exploratory diplomacy to constructing strategic partnerships that serve mutual interests. Syrian-Jordanian relations remain deeply influenced by the region's geopolitical shifts, with Syria acting as a crossroads of international and regional interests.

Security concerns, particularly drug and arms smuggling across shared borders, are driving Jordan's outreach to Syria. Strengthening security cooperation is fundamental to any future partnership. Moreover, economic ties could yield substantial benefits for both nations. For Jordan, grappling with internal economic challenges, Syria presents an opportunity to revitalise trade and transit routes, contingent on long-term agreements addressing political and security hurdles.

Water security may also dominate future discussions. Israel's control over regional water sources, including Mount Hermon and the Yarmouk River, poses strategic challenges for both Jordan and Syria. Bilateral cooperation on this issue is essential to safeguard their water rights and ensure stable supplies amid escalating climate change effects.

Jordan needs a balanced strategy that accommodates domestic priorities and its alliances with regional and international partners. Leveraging tribal ties and fostering mutual interests with Syria could enhance stability and establish enduring partnerships.

Ultimately, Safadi’s visit may signal the beginning of a new chapter in Jordanian-Syrian relations, but it also tests Jordan’s vision to anticipate events and seize opportunities. Amid intense regional and international manoeuvring, Jordan must demonstrate greater flexibility and readiness for deeper collaboration—not just with Syria, but with other regional actors—to secure a leading role in shaping the future of the region.