The open channel between Amman and Damascus is good news for all

October 16, 2018 at 2:37 pm | Published in: Article, International Organisations

Fahed Khitan

October 16, 2018 at 2:37 pm via Middle East Monitor

The government in Amman kept its promise to open the border crossing with Syria in the event that the latter met the required conditions. This is contrary to the claims made by some regarding external pressure on Jordan preventing it from making independent decisions in this regard.

Three years ago, Jordan was forced to close the crossings with Syria when the lack of sovereignty over the Syrian side of the border was apparent. Once control over the Syrian forces and their executive bodies was restored, joint technical and security committees were formed to make arrangements to reopen the Nasib and Jaber crossings.

The process is still in its early days due to the lack of technical equipment on the Syrian side. Despite this, Jordan has provided the Syrians with the required services to complete the clearance and inspection procedures until the reconstruction process and preparations are finished at the Syrian Customs Centre.

READ: Jordan, Syria reopen border crossing

On both sides of the border, there is a wave of optimism surrounding the opening of the crossings. Yesterday, Jordan warmly welcomed the first Syrian economic delegation representing the private sector, while the first Jordanian truck loaded with vegetables crossed into Syria.

It will take a few weeks for trade between the countries to regain its former momentum. This is in the best interest of both parties and surrounding countries such as Lebanon, which was very interested in reopening the crossings and resuming its export of fruits and vegetables to the Jordanian market, and to the Gulf through the Hashemite Kingdom.

Syria has a major political interest in the reopening of the crossings, as it is a demonstration of the return of Syrian sovereignty and the return of life to somewhere near normal, pending the reopening of the borders with Iraq and Turkey. Until then, Jordan will be a major channel to global markets and an entry route for building supplies to reconstruct what has been destroyed by the war.

Private sector projects in both countries are expected to be launched, with joint projects and trade deals that will benefit the economies of Jordan and Syria. Mutual interests are what should govern the relationship between them during this transitional phase. Both also need to strengthen their embassies in Amman and Damascus with diplomatic cadres able to keep pace with the development of economic relations, paving the way for full diplomatic representation later.

It is in Jordan’s interest for its Arab neighbours to regain their stability and security, beginning with Syria and Iraq. Jordan has paid a heavy price for the chaos and devastation that has hit them both.

READ: Syria says to reopen important Nassib crossing with Jordan on October 10

The refugee issue is a concern shared by Amman and Damascus. Jordan has to work with Syria and the UN to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. This will require the Kingdom to support reconstruction efforts and the recovery of the Syrian economy to provide a suitable environment for those Syrians who wish to return.

Jordan will not be doing any of this from zero. It has already supported efforts to restore security in the south of Syria and helped create conditions conducive to the return of the Syrian army to the border and the deployment of security forces in areas vacated by armed and terrorist groups.

The people of Jordan are not hiding their joy at the reopening of the crossings with Syria, just as they were happy when Al-Karama crossing was reopened with Iraq. Despite the devastation that has befallen our nation, the sense of a collective identity and joint destiny remains in the hearts of all Jordanians. The open channel between Amman and Damascus is good news for all.

This article first appeared in Arabic in Al-Quds Al-Arabi on 15 October 2018