Jordan's FM vows to back Syria's rebuilding process after meeting with new leader

Jordan's foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, has met with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus, signalling a growing regional engagement with Syria’s new administration after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.

The discussions focused on Syria's stability and the rebuilding process, with Safadi reaffirming Jordan's support for its neighbour.

“We stand by our Syrian brothers as they start the rebuilding process,” Safadi told Al Jazeera on Monday. “We want a stable, secure, safe Syria that guarantees the rights of its people through a transitional process consistent with the aspirations of Syrian people,” he added.

The diplomatic efforts come as multiple regional players seek to strengthen ties with Syria’s new leadership. Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also visited Damascus, shortly after Qatar reopened its embassy in the city, following a 13-year hiatus.

Al-Khulaifi is expected to meet with Syrian officials to demonstrate Qatar's commitment to supporting Syria’s people.

“Al-Khulaifi will hold a series of meetings with Syrian officials to embody Qatar’s firm position in providing all the support to the Syrian people,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, said.

The diplomatic push follows similar moves by Turkiye, whose foreign minister Hakan Fidan held talks with al-Sharaa, offering support for Syria’s political transition. The two sides stressed the need for unity and stability in the war-torn country, while also advocating for the lifting of international sanctions against Syria.

Syria's new leadership, which emerged after the fall of Assad’s 54-year rule, is actively seeking formal recognition. The country has hosted a series of foreign delegations, including high-level representatives from the United States and Europe. Al-Sharaa also met with a senior Saudi Arabian adviser to discuss Syria’s future.

Sultan Barakat, an expert at the Hamad bin Khalifa University, said regional powers, especially Jordan and its neighbours, were encouraged by the recent diplomatic visits, particularly by US officials. "Practically all the regional forces, aside from Iran, are very happy the regime change has taken place," Barakat said.

Iran, which had long backed Assad’s government, has reiterated its support for Syria’s sovereignty, stressing that the country should not become a “haven for terrorism” after the regime change.

“We stand by Syria’s sovereignty and the right of its people to decide their future without destructive foreign interference,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.

The series of meetings and regional engagements signal a shift towards a more unified approach to rebuilding Syria, with key neighbours aligning themselves to support a transitional process aimed at stabilising the country.