Jordan's King Abdullah II received Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa upon his arrival at Marka Airport for a visit to the Kingdom, with the two leaders proceeding directly to Raghadan Palace for their first discussions since al-Sharaa assumed office, Al Mamlaka TV reported on February 26.

Following the fall of the former regime in Damascus of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Jordan has shown greater openness toward Syria's new leadership and to hold talks on the repatriation of Syrian nationals living in Jordan.

Accompanying al-Sharaa were Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad al-Shaibani and other officials, while the Jordanian reception included Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and the King's Office Director, Alaa Al-Batayneh.

King Abdullah urged the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees during the meeting. He also condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territories and called for closer cooperation between the two nations in addressing border security and drug trafficking.

The Jordanian monarch reaffirmed his country's support for Syria's reconstruction and commitment to ensuring the country's unity, security, and stability. The two leaders also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and water.

Al-Sharaa expressed gratitude for Jordan's support in Syria's reconstruction efforts and in maintaining Syria's sovereignty.

The King congratulated al-Sharaa on assuming office in January, signalling implicit recognition of the transitional phase, with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani having visited Amman in January.

The two neighbouring countries share a 375-km-long border, making Jordan the most affected by events in Syria over recent years.

The discussions come days after the EU removed sanctions on Syria as part of its tentative warming of relations with the new leadership led by former Islamist militants.