The Riyadh meeting on Syria, held on Sunday, called for lifting the sanctions imposed on Damascus and creating favorable conditions for the return of Syrian refugees.
The gathering included foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, Britain, and Germany, as well as deputy foreign ministers from the US and Italy.
A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry highlighted discussions on “steps to support the Syrian people and provide comprehensive assistance during this critical phase, aiding in the rebuilding of Syria as a unified, independent, and secure Arab state for all its citizens—free from terrorism and violations of its sovereignty or territorial integrity.”
The meeting sought to “coordinate efforts to support Syria and work toward lifting the sanctions imposed on it,” as stated by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Bin Farhan called on international parties to “lift unilateral and UN-imposed sanctions on Syria and swiftly commence providing humanitarian and economic assistance to rebuild the Syrian state, fostering an environment conducive to the return of Syrian refugees.” He emphasized that “the continued imposition of sanctions on the former Syrian regime will impede the Syrian people’s aspirations for development, reconstruction, and stability.”
The Riyadh meeting built on the outcomes of the Aqaba meetings held in Jordan on December 14, 2024, which underscored support for the Syrian people and pledged comprehensive assistance to ensure the country’s security and stability.
Syria’s long-time leader, Bashar al-Assad, fled to Russia after anti-regime forces took control of Damascus on December 8, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long rule. This followed a swift offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, who captured key cities in less than two weeks. A new administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has since taken control of the country.
