Riyadh, Jan 12 (EFE).- Arab nations Sunday pledged support for Syria’s transition and agreed to boost security cooperation to counter militant threats originating from Syrian territory, following a high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia.
The meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia, brought together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, along with Syria’s immediate neighbors—Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.
An expanded international summit followed, with Arab ministers joined by counterparts from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Turkey, and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.
Envoys from the United Nations, the Arab League, and other Western representatives also participated.
The ministers called on the international community to “avoid foreign interference” and ensure that Syria regains full sovereignty. They also urged intensified humanitarian efforts to assist displaced Syrians and refugees.
In their joint statement, the ministers stressed the need for “adequate conditions to ensure the voluntary and safe return” of Syrian refugees, preserving state institutions, and preventing the collapse of essential services.
The ministers agreed to enhance security and intelligence cooperation among Arab states to confront militant threats. The Islamic State group remains a particular concern, with fears that the group could exploit Syria’s instability to regroup.
Arab states expressed concern over the new Syrian administration led by Ahmed al Sharaa, leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
Al-Sharaa, who severed ties with al Qaeda over six years ago, has assured regional leaders that the new Syria will not pose a threat to neighboring countries.
He has pledged to dissolve Islamist factions that helped overthrow Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8 and integrate them into the national army.
“The ministers emphasized the importance of resuming dialogue among various Syrian factions and creating a conducive environment for a political consensus to end the conflict,” the Arab nations’ statement said.
They also called for reactivating the Arab League’s role in overseeing Syria’s political transition and coordinating efforts with the United Nations to ensure the success of any political agreement. EFE
sa-fa-sk
