Egyptian, Saudi FMs discuss developments in Syria

CAIRO – 12 January 2025: On the sidelines of the high-level international meetings on Syria in Riyadh, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday.

Egyptian Foreign Minister praised the historic relations between the both countries on all levels.

Both Ministers discussed the latest developments Syria and the necessity to respect its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. 

They also affirmed the importance of enabling its national institutions to play their role, and adopting a comprehensive political process with Syrian leadership in which all components of the Syrian people participate to restore stability in all Syrian territories.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip. Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's intensive efforts to reach an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the Strip. The two ministers also reviewed developments in Sudan, Lebanon, and the Horn of Africa.

The Riyadh 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.

According to the joint communique, the meetings participants affirmed their support for Syria’s humanitarian situation and reconstruction and the importance of creating a good environment for the return of Syrian refugees.

They also affirmed – as per the communique read by Saudi Foreign Minister- that lifting unilateral and international sanctions imposed on Syria is a must as the continuation of sanctions could hinder the aspirations of the Syrian people. 

Additionally, they emphasized the importance of Syria not being a source of threats in the region, adding that the future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians.

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 Syrian regime's collapse.

Assad’s reign ended following an offensive led by opposition fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, 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.

Additional reporting by Amr Mohamed Kandil