Saudi Arabia hosts Middle East, European diplomats’ meeting on Syria’s future

An important diplomatic meeting involving Middle Eastern and European countries was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to address Syria’s post-war future. The discussions centered on fostering peace, supporting Syria’s new transitional government, and tackling the challenges of terrorism. The meeting was co-chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.

The meeting saw the participation of prominent figures, including Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and US Deputy Secretary of State John Bass. European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen were also in attendance.

– The participants deliberated on lifting international sanctions imposed on Syria, a demand already raised by the new Syrian leadership.
– German Foreign Minister Baerbock emphasized the need to maintain sanctions on the Assad regime due to grave crimes committed during the civil war, which displaced millions and led to countless casualties.
– The EU hinted at potential relaxation of sanctions if Syria’s government ensures inclusivity and guarantees the protection of minority groups.

Saudi Arabia recently sent significant humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to Syria. During the meeting, Prince Faisal underlined Riyadh’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in overcoming their challenges and advocated for global cooperation to ease their hardships.

Sanctions on Syria were initially imposed during the 2011 civil war in response to the Assad regime’s severe human rights violations. Despite the war’s end, these restrictions have remained in place, hindering the country’s recovery.

This meeting follows a December 2024 summit in Jordan, where similar discussions were held regarding Syria’s political reconstruction and societal rehabilitation.

The attendees agreed that restoring peace and stability in Syria requires a comprehensive strategy and enhanced international cooperation. The Riyadh meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia, is seen as a significant step toward addressing Syria’s crises and fostering long-term regional stability.