Amman steps up diplomatic representation in Syria

By Laith al-Junaidi <br> </p> <p>AMMAN (AA) – Jordan has stepped up its diplomatic representation in Damascus to the level of charge d'affaires, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday.</p> <p>“A charge d'affaires has been appointed to the Jordanian embassy in Damascus,” ministry spokesman Sufian Qudah said in a statement.</p> <p>The spokesman refrained, however, from providing the newly-appointed diplomat’s name.</p> <p>Following the eruption of the Syria conflict in 2011, relations between Damascus and Amman soured, especially after the latter expelled Syria’s ambassador to Jordan in 2014.</p> <p>Relations have gradually warmed, however, with the two neighbors officially reopening their shared border last October.</p> <p>Other Arab states, too, have recently signaled their willingness to restore diplomatic ties with Syria.</p> <p>Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir paid a visit to Damascus late last year. Not long afterward, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain both announced plans to reopen their respective embassies in Syria.