Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al‑Shibani said on Saturday that Damascus is engaged in discussions over potential accession to the “Mecca Pact” or other regional security and defense arrangements alongside Gulf states.
Shibani stressed that Syria has not reached a “point of exhaustion,” affirming its continued adherence to its rights in the face of Israeli occupation violations. He also noted ongoing efforts to address current tensions with Jordan following Jordanian airstrikes in Daraa that resulted in civilian casualties.
Speaking to Asharq Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 2026, Shibani said active consultations are underway to identify frameworks that could strengthen security and defense cooperation between Syria and the Gulf states, whether through the Mecca Pact or alternative mechanisms serving similar objectives. He added that Damascus seeks to broaden cooperation with Gulf partners across political, military, and security fields, emphasizing that Syrian stability contributes to wider regional security and that Syria aims to act as a reliable partner in accordance with international law and its national capacity.
Relations with Jordan
Shibani said the Jordanian leadership recognizes the need to address bilateral disputes and move beyond them. He described Syrian‑Jordanian ties as “deeper than passing skirmishes and disputes,” expressing hope that outstanding issues will be resolved and relations restored to their optimal level.
He underscored that border security is a shared responsibility between Damascus and Amman, noting that discussions continue to refine coordination mechanisms in a manner that respects national sovereignty and responds to evolving conditions.
Tensions escalated after an attack by three Jordanian nationals targeting civilians outside a church in Karak, resulting in deaths and injuries. The Royal Jordanian Air Force subsequently carried out airstrikes in Daraa against positions linked to cells associated with the perpetrators. The strikes killed seven Syrian civilians, including women and children, prompting public and official protests from Damascus over the absence of prior coordination.
On Thursday, Shibani met families of the victims in Daraa, reaffirming that the Syrian state will pursue the case to ensure rights are restored and prevent any recurrence. He stressed that Daraa is not a hub for extremist groups and that accountability for Syrian citizens lies exclusively with the Syrian state. He also confirmed ongoing cooperation with Jordanian authorities through a joint committee tasked with following up on the incident.
Response to U.S. Statements on Israel
Addressing negotiations with Israel, Shibani rejected suggestions that Syria has reached a state of exhaustion, responding to remarks by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack. He affirmed that Syria retains the resolve and willpower to defend its people and sovereignty.
Shibani urged Israel to engage with Syria as a stable and sovereign state that will not compromise on its rights. He reiterated that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory and that any additional Israeli territorial control asserted after December 8, 2024, is unlawful. He called for an Israeli withdrawal from those areas, stressing that secure borders require mutual respect for Syrian sovereignty and full consideration of Syria’s security concerns regarding incursions.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
