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Riyadh meetings on Syria (2025)

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Riyadh meetings on Syria
اجتماعات الرياض بشأن سوريا
Date(s)12-13 January 2025
Location(s)Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Participants

The Riyadh meetings on Syria (Arabic: اجتماعات الرياض بشأن سوريا) are convened on 12 and 13 January 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The high-level international and Arab gathering aimed to discuss the situation in Syria and explore steps to stabilize the country following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime.[1][2]

Context

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The Riyadh meetings are part of a broader effort to secure stability and security in Syria after the regime change. This event followed the meeting held in Aqaba, Jordan, on 14 December 2024, which also addressed regional issues in Syria.[2]

Agenda

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The primary focus of the Riyadh meetings is to deliberate on the necessary steps to ensure Syria's stability and security. Topics on the agenda included:[1]

  • Post-conflict reconstruction
  • Refugee repatriation
  • Combating terrorism
  • Strengthening regional and international cooperation

Participants

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The meetings are attended by foreign ministers and representatives from various countries and organizations. Key participants included:[1]

In addition, notable figures such as:[1]

Sessions

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According to Saudi officials, the meetings are divided into two main sessions:[2]

  • Arab Session: Focused discussions among Arab states on regional priorities and cooperative strategies.
  • Expanded Session: Broader participation, including representatives from Turkey, the European Union, France, the United Nations, and other key international actors.

Notable events and statements

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  • Oman Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi stated that the meeting reflects the positive spirit of collective cooperation and shared responsibility in supporting Syria and reinforcing peace and stability in the region.[4]
  • United Arab Emirates UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the importance of the unity of the Syrian people, in all its segments, to build a unified, stable, and secure Syria free from terrorism and exclusion.[4]
  • Qatar Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani affirmed Qatar's full support for the unity of the Syrian people and emphasized Qatar's commitment to assisting Syria during this crucial phase of rebuilding the country and restoring its territorial integrity.[4]
  • Egypt Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged international cooperation to prevent Syria from becoming a source of instability or a hub for terrorism. He emphasized the need to preserve Syria's unity, support its institutions, and pursue an inclusive Syrian-led political process in line with UN Resolution 2254. Abdelatty also stressed combating terrorism and fostering national reconciliation to rebuild Syria and restore its regional and international role.[5]
  • Turkey Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's readiness to support the Syrian people and facilitate regional solutions, describing the process as a "difficult road." He mphasized the responsibility of regional countries in guiding developments in Syria towards the right path while maintaining Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Fidan proposed the creation of mechanisms or coordination committees to enhance the effectiveness of efforts and suggested prioritizing sectors for sanction relief in the coming period. He reiterated that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) must dissolve themselves if they seek integration with the new Syrian authority.[6]
  • United Kingdom British Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting the Syrian people and a Syrian-led political transition toward an inclusive and non-sectarian government. He highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, humanitarian aid, cooperation on chemical weapons, and addressing the threat of ISIL. He called for international unity to help Syria build a democratic and modern future.[3]
  • Germany German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of a fair political dialogue and a reconstruction process led by Syrians, with unified international support. She stressed the significance of the presence of key international players in fostering peaceful processes for Syria and the broader Middle East.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Top Western, Arab officials gather in Saudi Arabia to discuss Syria". Al Jazeera. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Arab, EU diplomats meet in Riyadh for meetings on Syria". Arab News. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Riyadh meetings affirm the importance of Supporting Syria and lifting sanctions" (in Arabic). Asharq Al-Awsat. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "Riyadh meetings on Syria: Commitments to continue supporting Damascus" (in Arabic). Anadolu Agency. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  5. ^ "Riyadh meeting on Syria: Egypt clarifies its position, and Germany suggests "wise [approach to] sanctions"" (in Arabic). Al Jazeera. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Riyadh meeting: calls for lifting sanctions on Syria and "facilitating the difficult road"" (in Arabic). Syria TV. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2025.