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Ministers from 17 Countries Meet in Riyadh to Discuss Syria's Future and Lifting Sanctions

Jan 12, 2025, 07:59 AM

Foreign ministers from 17 Middle Eastern and European countries gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 12, 2025, to discuss the future of Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The meeting, held in two parts, was attended by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Shaibani, and ministers from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, as well as European nations including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Representatives from the United States and the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria were also present. The ministers aimed to coordinate efforts to ensure stability and security in Syria, focusing on humanitarian support and discussing the potential lifting of international sanctions. British Foreign Minister David Lammy met with Shaibani and indicated that the UK is evaluating the new Syrian leadership to establish diplomatic relations with Damascus. Fidan emphasized the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty, and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the PKK/YPG terrorist organization to the Arab majority east of the Euphrates River. The meeting included discussions on supporting the Syrian people during the transition period and coordinating international efforts to aid Syria's recovery.