The key facts
- Jordan and Saudi Arabia signed a protocol reorganizing the Higher Coordination Council, established in 2016; it will replace the joint committee, and the general secretariat will be headed by the two countries' foreign ministries.
- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi declared 'absolute solidarity' with Saudi Arabia in countering Houthi attacks and condemned strikes on civilian targets as a violation of international law.
- Trade in 2025 exceeded $4 billion (14% of Jordan's foreign trade); Saudi investments amount to about $16 billion.
Signing of the protocol in Riyadh
Jordan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed an updated protocol on the reorganization of the Higher Coordination Council, intended to strengthen its role in institutionalizing and expanding bilateral cooperation and coordination. The document replaces the former Jordanian-Saudi joint committee. The signing took place during expanded talks in Riyadh between the foreign ministers of the two countries — Ayman Safadi and Prince Faisal bin Farhan — the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The council was established in 2016, when King Abdullah II of Jordan and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz attended the signing of the founding agreement in Riyadh.
Structure of the council
Under the protocol, the council's general secretariat will be headed by the foreign ministers of the two countries, and their ministries will oversee its work, including preparing meetings of the council, its committees and working groups.
Position on the Houthis and regional issues
During the talks, Safadi affirmed Jordan's 'absolute solidarity' with Saudi Arabia in countering the attacks of the Houthi group, stating that Amman stands alongside the kingdom in its efforts to protect its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens and residents. He once again condemned attacks on civilian and economic facilities as a 'flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter' and a violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty. The ministers also discussed efforts to de-escalate, contain its regional and international consequences, and restore calm on a basis that ensures lasting security and stability. Separately, they addressed respect for international law, good neighborliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and 'freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.'
Economic indicators
According to the Jordanian foreign ministry, bilateral trade in 2025 exceeded $4 billion, accounting for 14% of Jordan's total trade — Saudi Arabia became the kingdom's second-largest trading partner. Saudi investments in Jordan reached about $16 billion in transport, tourism, financial services and trade, and the number of Saudi tourists in Jordan in 2025 grew by approximately 14%. The ministers stated that the signing of the protocol will give additional impetus to bilateral cooperation and affirmed their readiness to develop relations and coordinate on common regional and international issues.
