Foreign Minister attends Arab meeting on Syria developments
Aqaba, Dec. 14 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended a meeting in Aqaba hosted by Jordan to discuss developments in Syria.
The meeting was attended by foreign ministers from the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria, established by the Arab League, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League. Foreign ministers from the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, as the current Arab League chair, also participated.
Discussions focused on supporting a comprehensive political process in Syria that aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, aiming for a transition that ensures Syria's unity, sovereignty, and stability. The meeting explored rebuilding state institutions, securing peace, and addressing Syrians’ aspirations for stability and development.
A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the meeting, noting solidarity with the Syrian people and providing support during this critical phase, while respecting their will and choices. The statement underscored backing for a comprehensive, peaceful, Syrian-led transitional process that ensures fair representation of all political and social forces, including women, youth, and civil society, under the auspices of the United Nations and the Arab League, in accordance with the principles, objectives, and mechanisms of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The participants emphasised the need to form an inclusive transitional governing body through Syrian consensus and to implement the steps outlined in the resolution for transitioning to a new political system that meets the aspirations of all Syrians. This includes conducting free and fair elections, overseen by the United Nations, based on a new constitution approved by Syrians, within a specified timeline and in line with the mechanisms set by Resolution 2254.
The ministers highlighted the importance of comprehensive national dialogue and the unity of the Syrian people across all components, groups, and political and social forces to build a free, secure, stable, and united Syria. They called for an immediate cessation of all military operations, respect for the rights of all Syrians, ensuring justice and equality for all citizens, preserving state institutions, and enhancing their capacity to serve the Syrian people and prevent Syria from descending into chaos.
The ministers also emphasised their full solidarity with Syria in protecting its unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, stability, and the safety of its citizens. They highlighted the need to provide humanitarian aid for the Syrian people, create conditions for the voluntary return of refugees, support the role of the UN Special Envoy to Syria, and called on the UN Secretary-General to provide him with the necessary resources to establish a UN mission to assist and oversee the transitional process in Syria.
Bahrain’s delegation to the meeting included Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Ambassador to Jordan, and Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
