The Riyadh Meetings Presidency issued a statement on Syria today, following a high-level meeting convened at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The meeting, which expanded upon ministerial discussions held in Aqaba, Jordan, on December 14, 2024, addressed the ongoing crisis in Syria and the broader path to peace.
The meeting brought together an extensive array of international and regional actors, including foreign ministers and representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Spain, Syria, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Also in attendance were the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UN Special Envoy for Syria.
Central to the discussions was the collective aim to support the Syrian people during this crucial period, emphasizing the need to rebuild Syria as a unified, independent, and secure Arab state. Participants reaffirmed their stance against terrorism, foreign aggression, and any breaches of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
A key point of consensus was the necessity of a Syrian-led political transition involving diverse political and social groups to uphold the rights of all Syrians. Attendees highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue to navigate challenges, stressing that Syria’s future should remain in the hands of its people. The meeting reaffirmed international support for the Syrian people’s decisions and will, stressing the need for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and independence.
Concerns over Israel’s incursions into the buffer zone and surrounding sites in Mount Hermon and Quneitra Governorate were also raised. Participants emphasized that Syria’s unity and territorial integrity must be respected, condemning any violations that undermine regional stability.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud reiterated the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria, welcoming the recent U.S. issuance of General License 24, which outlines sanctions exemptions. He urged the international community to remove unilateral and international sanctions on Syria and accelerate humanitarian, economic and capacity-building aid to foster conditions necessary for the voluntary return of refugees and for Syria’s development, reconstruction and long-term stability.
The Saudi Foreign Minister also acknowledged the positive initiatives undertaken by Syria’s new administration, including its commitment to preserving state institutions, combating terrorism and advancing a political process inclusive of all sectors of Syrian society. These steps, he noted, are crucial for ensuring Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, preventing it from becoming a source of regional insecurity.
In addition, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Syrian territories, describing the incursions as violations of international law and the 1974 disengagement agreement. He called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Syrian areas, denouncing such actions as acts of occupation and aggression.