Foreign Minister participates in Paris conference on Syria
Paris, Feb. 13 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the ministerial conference on Syria held in Paris. The conference was hosted by Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, with the participation of Arab and Western foreign ministers, representatives from the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the European Union, and international organisations.
The meeting followed previous discussions held in Aqaba, Jordan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to support Syria’s transitional authorities in fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people and building a sovereign, stable, and regionally integrated nation.
His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic attended part of the session, expressing hope that the discussions initiated in Aqaba and Riyadh and continued in Paris would provide the necessary support for Syria’s transitional government in its efforts to meet the Syrian people's aspirations for freedom and dignity and contributing to the establishment of a free, inclusive, unified, sovereign, stable, and peaceful Syria fully integrated into its regional and international environment.
During the opening session, Dr. Al Zayani said that the Paris meeting reflects the collective determination to support Syria as it progresses towards stability, security, and sustainable prosperity. He congratulated the Syrian people on His Excellency President Ahmed Al Sharaa assuming office. He commended the statement issued by the Syrian leadership, describing it as a reflection of its ongoing efforts to fulfil the aspirations of millions of Syrians for peace, freedom, dignity, justice, and equality.
He also welcomed the establishment of a transitional legislative council, the dissolution of all military factions, political entities, and security agencies, and the commitment to rebuilding key institutions, including military reforms and the annulment of the 2012 Constitution.
Dr. Al Zayani called for the lifting of all economic sanctions imposed on Syria, commending the European Union’s decision to suspend sanctions for one year as a step towards their full removal, as well as the United States’ decision to ease sanctions. He expressed hope for further constructive measures in this direction.
The foreign minister stressed the importance of peace in the region, emphasising that Syria’s stability cannot be achieved in isolation but must be part of a broader framework of regional cooperation and harmonious efforts. He also called for support for the proposal to convene an international peace conference within the framework of the two-state solution, an initiative endorsed at the Bahrain Summit in May.
At the conclusion of the conference, a joint statement was issued, in which participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and close coordination to ensure the success of Syria’s transition, led by the Syrian people. They emphasised the need to enable the Syrian people to build a more secure and prosperous future, while ensuring respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement also underlined the importance of assisting Syria’s transitional authorities in ending foreign interference in the country, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Additionally, the statement stressed the need for increased international efforts to expand the scale and pace of humanitarian assistance to Syria, initiate reconstruction efforts, and enhance Syria’s reintegration into the regional and international community. Participants called for the full removal of all sanctions as soon as possible.
The Bahraini delegation included Essam Abdulaziz Al Jassim, Ambassador of Bahrain to France, Saeed Abdulkhaleq Saeed, Chief of Coordination and Follow up at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials accompanying the foreign minister.
