Jordan: No strategic dispute with Syria over Middle East peace

Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdel Ilah al-Khatib said, "We hope our relations with Syria will be good" on the basis of respect for mutual sovereignty.

In a statement to the London-based al-Quds al-Arabi magazine, al-Khatib added in reply to a question pertaining to the peaceful disputes with the Syrians, "We do not think there is a strategic dispute concerning the peace process with our brothers in Damascus. Because we have, as Arab sides, started the peace process together since Madrid days. Ultimately Syria is a brotherly and neighboring states, with whom our relations will be positive."

Replying to another question on relations with Damascus, al-Khatib went on, "We are planning to strengthen and improve our relations with the Arab states as well as to deal with any arising disputes. The success of such an attitude requires the positive response of other sides."

On whether he intends to visit Syria shortly, the Jordanian minister said, "There is no hesitation in visiting any brotherly Arab country, at any time."