Jordan-Syria coordination council will strengthen ties, King Abdullah says

King Abdullah II of Jordan and Syrian Arab Republic interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. (Petra/SANA)
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Updated 22 May 2025
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Jordan-Syria coordination council will strengthen ties, King Abdullah says

  • Nations’ leaders speak after deal signed to establish new body
  • Ahmed Al-Sharaa praises Jordan’s support for Syria

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Syrian Arab Republic interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa spoke on Thursday about bilateral relations and regional developments.

The telephone conversation came after the two countries this week signed an agreement to establish the Higher Coordination Council, which aims to strengthen collaboration in key sectors such as water, energy and trade.

The king said the new body would institutionalize cooperation and maximize opportunities for both nations. He also reiterated his support for Syrians and the country’s security, stability and territorial integrity, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Al-Sharaa praised Jordan’s support for enhancing Syria’s international presence after both the EU and US this month announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on the country.

The two leaders also emphasized the need to increase efforts to stabilize southern Syria and improve border security.


Palestinian man dies after being shot by Israeli forces

Updated 08 December 2025
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Palestinian man dies after being shot by Israeli forces

  • Baraa Bilal Issa Qablan, 21, was traveling in vehicle near city of Qalqilya

LONDON: A Palestinian man died on Monday after being shot by Israeli forces during an incident on Sunday close to the occupied West Bank city of Qalqilya.

Baraa Bilal Issa Qablan, 21, was injured when Israeli forces at the northern entrance to the town of Azzun opened fire on a vehicle traveling along the Qalqilya-Nablus road.

Momen Nidal Abu Riyash, 19, a resident of Qalqilya, was killed in the incident and a third man, identified as Muhammad Saeed Taha Hussein, was taken into custody.

Qablan was injured and detained by Israeli forces, the Wafa news agency reported. The Palestinian Authority’s General Authority for Civil Affairs said on Monday that he later succumbed to his injuries.

More than 1,000 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the Gaza war in late 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

During the same period, 43 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks in the West Bank, according to official Israeli figures.