The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's warm welcome of the agreement reached between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which stipulates a comprehensive ceasefire. The Kingdom commended the statement issued by the Syrian government confirming that the agreement includes the integration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria into the institutional structure of the Syrian state, a step described as historic and pivotal.
Background of the conflict and context of the agreement
This agreement comes in the context of the Syrian conflict, which has dragged on for more than a decade and witnessed significant geopolitical complexities. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose backbone is the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), were established in 2015 as a key ally of the US-led international coalition in the war against the ISIS terrorist organization. The SDF succeeded in controlling large areas of northern and eastern Syria and established an autonomous administration to govern these regions, which are rich in oil and agricultural resources. Over the years, the relationship between the Syrian government in Damascus and the autonomous administration has been strained, fluctuating between limited military confrontations and intermittent negotiations, as Damascus sought to reassert its full sovereignty, while the SDF demanded recognition of its special status within the Syrian state.
The importance of the agreement and its expected effects
The strategic importance of this agreement lies in its representing a major breakthrough towards reunifying the country and ending its de facto division. Domestically, the agreement is expected to contribute to stability in northern and eastern Syria, paving the way for the return of displaced persons and the reconstruction of infrastructure. It also establishes a framework for a political solution for the future of these regions, one that preserves the rights of all Syrian communities and strengthens national unity. Regionally, this development reflects the growing diplomatic role of Saudi Arabia in finding Arab solutions to regional crises, particularly following Syria's return to the Arab League. The agreement is also seen as a step towards reducing the influence of non-Arab external powers in Syrian affairs.
The Kingdom's role and international efforts
The Kingdom expressed its deep hope that this comprehensive agreement will be a strong impetus for Syria's progress towards achieving lasting peace, security, and stability, fulfilling the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for a unified and prosperous country. The Kingdom reiterated its full support for all efforts aimed at preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the positive response from both the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to the efforts led by the Kingdom, alongside the efforts exerted by the United States of America, which were crucial in establishing a ceasefire and reaching this constructive outcome that serves the future of Syria and the entire region.
