Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on 15 April stressing the importance of a political solution in Syria, just after the meeting of the Jordanian, Egyptian, Iraqi, and GCC foreign ministers in Jeddah aimed at solving the country’s 12-year crisis.
“The political solution is the only solution to the Syrian crisis,” the statement reads, emphasizing the “importance of having an Arab leadership role in efforts” to end the conflict.
Riyadh goes on to say that establishing the necessary mechanisms for this Arab role, as well as “intensifying consultations” among Arab states, will ensure that these efforts are successful.
The ministers exchanged views on ways to reach a solution that will preserve “Syria’s unity, security, stability, and Arab identity, and returns to its Arab surroundings.”
During the meeting, the Arab leaders discussed the importance of countering extremism and terrorism in all forms, as well as battling drug trafficking.
They also highlighted the importance of Syria’s state institutions, which are needed to ensure sovereignty and end the presence of armed groups in the country, namely in the northern Idlib governorate and areas of the Aleppo countryside – which extremist militants occupy.
The ministers also discussed recent regional developments, particularly in occupied Palestine. They stressed that the Palestinian cause is a central priority, condemning all illegal Israeli practices undermining a two-state solution.
Syria’s humanitarian concerns were also brought up, namely the return of refugees and the importance of ensuring mechanisms for humanitarian aid to reach all areas of the country – something that US sanctions have had a role in obstructing.
Overall, the Jeddah meeting came “within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s keenness and interest in everything that serves the … Arab nation and promotes the interests of its countries and peoples… and within the framework of consultations and endeavors to coordinate positions and unify efforts towards several issues of common concern,” the Saudi statement concluded.
The issues discussed at the Jeddah meeting are part of the joint ‘Arab peace plan,’ led by Riyadh and Amman, announced yesterday and aimed at ending the war and reintegrating Syria into the regional fold.
However, Qatar has opposed this initiative and maintained its position not to normalize relations with the Syrian government. Kuwait also expressed an intention not to restore ties with Damascus.