Egyptian FM, Special Envoy discuss outcomes of Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria meeting

CAIRO – 20 August 2023: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry received Sunday a phone call from Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pederson to learn about the outcomes of the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria that convened in Cairo on August 15.

Minister Shokry presented the conclusions, asserting the committee's keenness on settling the Syrian crisis, handling all its aspects, with the aim of preserving Syria's unity and stability.

The minister and Pederson exchanged views on Syria's updates, and the efforts deployed, agreeing on a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next September.

The special envoy commended Egypt's endeavors and the outcomes of the ministerial committee, stipulating willingness to coordinate with all concerned parties in order to build on the last meeting's conclusions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry met in May Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pederson in Geneva to discuss the gradual resolution of the crisis adopting the approach of a step for a step.

That is in alignment with the outcomes of Jeddah and Amman meetings, which included a number of Arab foreign ministers, as well as the last Arab Summit and Security Council's resolution no. 2254.

The minister stressed the importance of the Arab role in resolving such prolonged crisis that is still a source of suffering to the Syrian people, and the region. He also asserted the priority Egypt was giving to continuous coordination between the Arab ministerial committee concerned with Syria, and the special envoy to Syria to ensure the integration of efforts.

On his side, the envoy expressed keenness on working with the Arab committee to push forward the solution in the framework of a step for a step, expressing appreciation for the continuous communication between Egypt and the United Nations.