AMMAN: King Abdullah II on Sunday received representatives of Syria, Turkiye, Iraq and Lebanon participating in a high-level meeting of Syria’s neighboring countries, hosted by Jordan.

During the meeting, at Al-Husseiniya Palace in Amman, the king reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s security, stability and territorial integrity, as well as safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

Discussions focused on the importance of coordinated efforts among Syria and its neighboring countries to address regional security challenges, particularly countering terrorism, maintaining border security, and curbing drug and arms smuggling.

The king also stressed the need to facilitate the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees, enabling them to take part in the country’s reconstruction efforts.

Earlier in the day, a broader regional meeting began at the King Hussein Club in Amman, bringing together foreign and defense ministers, chiefs of staff and intelligence agency directors from Jordan, Turkiye, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.

The meeting followed days of clashes between Syrian security forces and insurgents of the minority Alawite community loyal to the deposed Bashar Assad government in Syria’s coastal province.

Participants discussed strategies for eliminating terrorism, ensuring border stability and supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country on a foundation that guaranteed its unity and sovereignty.

“Stability in Syria requires dialogue with the country’s various components,” said Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein at a joint news conference afterward.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan welcomed the “historic” meeting and called for cooperation to decrease tension in Syria.