Riyadh Meetings Presidency Issues Statement on Syria

The Riyadh Meetings Presidency issued a statement on Syria today following a meeting convened at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The gathering built upon the ministerial discussions hosted in Aqaba, Jordan, on December 14, 2024.
 The meeting brought together 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, the United States, as well as 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.
 Discussions centered on steps to support the Syrian people during this critical period, aiming to rebuild Syria as a unified, independent, and secure Arab state for all its citizens. Participants emphasized the need for a Syria free from terrorism, external aggression, or breaches of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
 The attendees expressed their support for a Syrian-led political transition process involving diverse political and social forces that safeguard the rights of all Syrians. They highlighted the importance of dialogue to address challenges and concerns while respecting Syria's sovereignty and independence. Stressing that Syria's future lies in the hands of its people, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Syrian people's choices and will.
 The meeting also addressed concerns over Israel's incursions into the buffer zone and neighboring sites in Mount Hermon and Quneitra Governorate. Participants underscored the need to respect Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
 Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria and welcomed the U.S. decision to issue General License 24, which provides exemptions related to sanctions. He urged the international community to lift unilateral and international sanctions on Syria and to expedite humanitarian, economic, and capacity-building support. Such measures, he noted, are essential to creating conditions for Syrian refugees to return and for the country to achieve development, reconstruction, and stability.
 The minister also praised the positive steps taken by Syria's new administration, including its commitment to preserving state institutions, combating terrorism, and initiating a political process that incorporates all components of Syrian society. These efforts, he stated, contribute to Syria's stability and territorial integrity, ensuring it does not pose a threat to regional security.
 Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud reiterated the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of Israel's incursions into Syrian territories, describing them as violations of international law and the 1974 disengagement agreement. He called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Syrian territories and reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of such actions as acts of aggression and occupation.