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    03-Jul-2025

Jordan, Syria to form joint committee, advance regional water projects

 

The Jordan Times

 

AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Wednesday held talks in Amman with Syrian Minister of Energy Mohammad Bashir, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of water and energy.
 
The discussions underscored the importance of intensifying joint efforts to serve the interests of both countries, particularly by advancing transparency, expanding cooperation at all levels and implementing practical steps to improve services for the people of both countries.
 
The talks were attended by Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) Secretary General Hisham Haisa, Syrian Deputy Minister for Water Affairs Osama Abu Zeid, Deputy Minister for Energy Affairs Omar Shamrouq, and several officials from both sides.
 
Abul Saud highlighted the shared water challenges facing Jordan and Syria and called for coordinated, solution-oriented efforts. He also stressed that Jordan stands ready to provide its full range of technical expertise and support.
 
The minister also called for a "serious, results-driven approach" to reach joint understandings on water issues, particularly in the Yarmouk Basin. He proposed technical-level discussions to review the 1978 agreement and expressed Jordan’s support in advancing Syria’s capacity in water efficiency and drought management.
 
Abul Saud also highlighted Jordan’s experience in utilising treated wastewater and artificial intelligence for effective water resource management.
 
The minister also acknowledged a lack of adherence to the terms of the existing water agreement but welcomed Syria’s recent decision to halt illegal well drilling in the Yarmouk Basin, a move he said helps safeguard the shared water interests of both countries.
 
He added that both sides had agreed to hold the first meeting of the joint Jordanian-Syrian technical committee on July 8 to establish new frameworks for cooperation, with a focus on the Yarmouk River Basin, cloud seeding, joint water initiatives, dam management and remote monitoring of water sources.
 
The minister also delivered an official letter to the Syrian minister detailing Jordan’s suggestions for revising the 1978 Yarmouk Agreement, noting that the agreement includes a provision for amendments. He also expressed confidence in Syria’s positive and cooperative approach to achieving balanced outcomes.
 
He reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment, following the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, to offering its capabilities, expertise and support to the Syrian people.
 
Bashir said that joint technical committees have been formed to discuss bilateral water agreements, including the Yarmouk River Basin agreement, and emphasised Syria’s willingness to cooperate transparently to find fair solutions to shared water challenges, particularly in light of climate change and recurring drought.
 
The ministers described the meeting as a new beginning for a sustainable partnership based on shared interests and the exchange of expertise, reaffirming their commitment to continued coordination and joint action.
 

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