Jordan and Saudi Arabia Sign Amended Protocol in Riyadh Establishing the Supreme Coordination Council
-
The Arab Post
- . October 22, 2026
- . Update: October 22, 2026 1:55 pm
A significant diplomatic change in the Middle East has taken place today with Jordan and Saudi Arabia sign amended protocol agreements in Riyadh. At the meeting, the high-level meeting was held in the context of the establishment of the Supreme Coordination Council, which is a major change in the institutional aspect of their bilateral relationship.
The document was signed by Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, in an official face-to-face meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. This new overarching body replaces a long-established Joint Committee between Jordan and Saudi Arabia and is a much more aggressive and centralized approach to cross-border cooperation.
The state-run Jordan News Agency (Petra) said the new council will be led by the highest ranking officials. Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be the leaders of the council. Meanwhile, its two foreign ministers will lead its general secretariat, which will be overseeing various specialised committees of foreign ministers.
Driving Unprecedented Economic Growth – Jordan and Saudi Arabia sign amended protocol
The moment is appropriate for these Riyadh diplomatic talks as cross-border trade is surging in huge numbers. As noted in the regional economic statistics provided by Jordan News, bilateral trade between the two kingdoms tops $4 billion in 2025, accounting for 14 percent of Jordan’s foreign trade.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia is Jordan’s No. 2 trade partner in the world. Recently FDI from Riyadh to Jordan has reached some $16 billion in critical areas such as transport, tourism and financial services.
Saudi Investments have become truly part and parcel of the Jordanian economy. Ammon News reported that Saudi’s tourist numbers in Jordan also jumped by 14 percent in the last year, as a result of increasing social and cultural relations. Both governments have established the Supreme Coordination Council, which will help protect these resources and eliminate procedural obstacles to future “megaprojects.
Fortifying Saudi-Jordanian Relations Amid Regional Crises
The signed protocol is not only an economic one, but also a strong defense and security agreement. Safadi and Prince Faisal had deep discussions on explosive regional developments and pressing de-escalation measures during their summit.
The ministers put considerable emphasis on mutual action to ensure the security of the seas and freedom of navigation in official statements issued by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). A major concern of both countries is to safeguard the key commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait in the face of growing security risks in the region.
Safadi also used it to advocate for “military unity” with Riyadh. He has clearly reaffirmed Jordan’s unflagging support of Saudi Arabia in the face of the continued attacks by the Houthis militias.
The fact that this united front is being established into the Supreme Coordination Council sends an unambiguous message. Amid the tumultuous Middle East, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are pushing with renewed vigor to safeguard their common borders, the protection of their enormous economic investments and stability in the region. The experts need to follow the official information issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan on a continuous basis for tracking the situation in the region.
Top Picks For You
Discover best tourist attractions in Jordan?
Explore iconic places every visitor should experience.
Explore Petra viewpoints and best spots?
Check where to capture the most stunning Petra views.
Discover desert adventures in Jordan?
Explore thrilling experiences across Jordan’s desert landscapes.
Check top things to do in Amman?
Discover must-visit spots for first-time visitors in the city.
Explore Dead Sea spa day trip?
Check relaxing mineral spa experiences near Amman.
