In a new diplomatic step reflecting the ongoing development of bilateral relations, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a telephone call from his Syrian counterpart, Dr. Faisal Mekdad, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The telephone conversation focused on reviewing relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, in addition to discussing the latest developments on the Syrian and regional scene, and the joint efforts being made to address the existing challenges.
Historical background and the return of relations
This contact comes at a new stage in relations between Riyadh and Damascus, following years of diplomatic estrangement that began with the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011. The year 2023 witnessed a pivotal shift with Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League, a decision made at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo and culminating in the Arab Summit hosted by Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which was attended by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This was followed by the resumption of diplomatic missions in both countries, paving the way for direct and regular political dialogue.
The importance of the talks in the regional context
These talks are of particular importance as they fall within the framework of Arab efforts to find a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis that will end the suffering of the Syrian people. Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab states, is leading a diplomatic track known as the "Arab Contact Group on Syria," which operates on a "step-by-step" basis. This track aims to address humanitarian, security, and political issues gradually and in a balanced manner. These issues include sensitive matters such as ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of Syria, creating conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees, and combating terrorism and drug trafficking, especially Captagon pills, which pose a threat to the security of the entire region.
Emphasis on a political solution in accordance with international resolutions
These efforts underscore the necessity of advancing a Syrian-led political process, under the auspices of the United Nations, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. This resolution represents an international roadmap for a solution, calling for the drafting of a new constitution and the holding of free and fair elections with the participation of all Syrians, including those in the diaspora, with the aim of achieving a political transition that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserves Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The ongoing communication between the two countries’ foreign ministers reflects a shared commitment to translating political understandings into concrete steps on the ground, in a way that serves the stability of Syria and the region.
