RIYADH: Gulf and Arab ministers emphasized that “a political solution is the only solution to the Syrian crisis,” and called for unified Arab leadership on the issue during a consultative meeting held in Jeddah on Friday.
The meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and attended by Bahraini Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Dr. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Saturday detailing the points of discussion following the meeting between foreign ministers from the Gulf and their counterparts from Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.
The ministers discussed the efforts made to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the country’s unity, security, and stability.
The statement released on Saturday explained that the ministers see a political solution including an Arab leadership role, developing the necessary mechanisms for this role, and intensifying consultation between Arab countries to ensure the success of these efforts.
The ministers all agreed the humanitarian crisis in Syria urgently needs addressing and that it will be necessary to create a suitable environment for aid to reach all regions of the country.
They also discussed ways to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their homes.
The statement stressed the need to rid Syrian territory of militias and to preserve Syria’s sovereignty.
The ministers also exchanged views on a number of regional issues, including the Palestinian cause and condemnation of illegal Israeli practices that undermine a two-state solution.
The ministers condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque. The statement stressed the need to respect the historical importance of the location.
