Egypt’s FM urges global support for Syria’s stability in meeting with Bahraini counterpart

CAIRO – 12 January 2025: Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for regional and global solidarity to help Syria restore its stability during a meeting with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, on Sunday.

The two ministers convened in Riyadh on the sidelines of meetings involving Arab and Western top diplomats, hosted by the Saudi capital to discuss the situation in Syria.

Abdelatty highlighted the importance of supporting Syria in preserving its unity and sovereignty over its entire territory while safeguarding the country’s national state institutions.

He affirmed that this support aims to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people and stand by them during this critical period.

The meetings, led by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Syria’s transitional government Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, include top diplomats from the Middle East and Europe.

Attendees comprise the foreign ministers of Egypt, Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Britain.

U.S. Under Secretary of State John Bass, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen are also present.

Syria is currently grappling with instability following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's government on December 8.

World powers are now considering sanctions relief in light of the regime's collapse.

Assad’s reign ended following an offensive led by opposition fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is now Syria's de facto ruler.

This significant change marks the end of over five decades of Assad family rule.

 

INCLUSIVE TRANSITION

During the Arab ministerial meeting in Riyadh, Abdelatty called for the adoption of a comprehensive, inclusive Syrian-owned political process that does not exclude any political or social parties to ensure a successful transition.

He stressed that this process should reflect the societal, religious, sectarian, and ethnic diversity within Syria.

He underlined the need for Syria to become a source of stability in the region and for various national political forces to get the opportunity to play a role in managing the transition phase.

Abdelatty also urged the rebuilding of Syria and its national institutions so that the country can regain its rightful regional and international status.

COUNTERTERRORISM

Moreover, Abdelatty underscored the importance of cooperation among all regional and international parties in combating terrorism, ensuring that no terrorist elements are harbored on Syrian territory.

He called for solidarity within the international community to prevent Syria from becoming a source of threat to regional stability or a hotspot for terrorist groups.