Riyadh – In a significant show of regional unity, the foreign ministers of 11 countries—including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Jordan, and others—have issued a strong joint statement affirming their full support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. The declaration came at the conclusion of a two-day high-level diplomatic meeting in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
The communique, which signals a growing shift toward Arab normalization with Damascus, emphasized non-interference in Syrian internal affairs, welcomed domestic progress in resolving the Sweida crisis, and condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Syria, labeling it a “clear violation of international law.”
This development marks a continued effort by regional actors to restore Syria’s diplomatic standing, rebuild regional consensus, and strengthen the sovereignty of Arab nations amid ongoing external pressures and threats.
Regional Solidarity: A Growing Diplomatic Shift
The meeting in Riyadh brought together foreign ministers and senior diplomats from Turkey and 10 Arab countries, signaling a collective regional shift toward engagement with Syria—a country long isolated in the wake of its civil war that began in 2011.
Participating countries included:
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Jordan
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Lebanon
- Qatar
While some of these nations had previously cut diplomatic ties or downgraded relations with Damascus, recent efforts indicate a strategic rethinking based on evolving regional dynamics, security interests, and the need for Arab unity.
Core Message: Upholding Syrian Sovereignty and Unity
The joint statement strongly reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding Syria’s sovereignty, calling for the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces operating without Syrian government consent.
“We reject any and all forms of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs,” the ministers declared in unison, highlighting the principle of non-intervention as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law.
This reiteration aligns with the broader Arab League consensus, which has recently begun welcoming Syria back into the fold, culminating in President Bashar al-Assad’s attendance at the Arab League Summit in 2023 for the first time in over a decade.
Sweida Crisis Resolution Welcomed
The foreign ministers welcomed the peaceful agreement reached to resolve the Sweida crisis, describing it as a positive step toward national reconciliation and internal political stability.
Background on the Sweida Crisis:
Sweida, a predominantly Druze region in southern Syria, had witnessed several months of unrest due to economic hardship, political dissatisfaction, and demands for reforms. Protests in Sweida had called for a more inclusive government and greater economic opportunities. The situation, though tense, remained largely peaceful compared to other regions of Syria.
The recent resolution, reportedly mediated by local leaders and government officials, resulted in the withdrawal of security forces from protest areas and the establishment of a dialogue mechanism between community representatives and Damascus.
This agreement has been seen as a model for localized conflict resolution within Syria, and its success was applauded by the regional ministers as a hopeful sign of internal unity.
Condemnation of Israeli Aggression Against Syria
In a unified and strongly worded section of the statement, the ministers condemned Israeli military operations on Syrian territory, particularly airstrikes targeting military infrastructure and airports in Damascus and Aleppo.
“Israeli attacks are a clear violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a breach of international law,” the ministers stated. “Such aggression undermines regional stability and obstructs the peace process.”
The statement emphasized that Israel’s continued military actions, often justified under the pretext of targeting Iranian or Hezbollah forces in Syria, result in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure, further complicating post-conflict recovery.
Call for International Accountability and UN Action
The foreign ministers called upon the United Nations Security Council to take concrete action in response to Israel’s repeated violations. They urged the international community to:
- Hold Israel accountable for its military incursions into Syrian territory
- Pressure Israel to completely withdraw from all occupied Syrian lands, particularly the Golan Heights
- Support Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into the international community
The Golan Heights, annexed by Israel in 1981 after being seized during the 1967 Six-Day War, remains a major flashpoint in regional geopolitics. The UN has never recognized the annexation, and the territory is considered occupied Syrian land under international law.
Supporting Syria’s Constructive Efforts Toward Peace and Reconstruction
The statement also praised the Syrian government’s constructive efforts to advance national reconciliation, encourage the return of displaced persons, and rebuild state institutions after over a decade of civil war.
“We urge the international community to assist Syria in its recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, and to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees.”
According to the UNHCR, more than 6.8 million Syrians remain internally displaced, with over 5 million registered refugees living in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.
Countries like Turkey, which hosts the largest Syrian refugee population (over 3.5 million), have a strong interest in stabilizing Syria to create conditions conducive for safe and dignified repatriation.
Arab Normalization With Syria: A Trend Gains Momentum
This joint declaration further reinforces the trend of Arab normalization with Syria, especially following the 2023 Arab League Summit in Jeddah, where Syria was officially readmitted after a 12-year suspension.
Key steps that have occurred since then:
- Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Damascus
- UAE resumed trade and diplomatic ties
- Jordan launched security coordination with Syria to combat drug smuggling
- Iraq and Lebanon pushed for stronger economic cooperation with the Assad government
The return of diplomatic engagement reflects a realpolitik approach by Arab states, prioritizing regional stability, economic interests, and collective security over ideological divisions of the past.
Turkey’s Evolving Role: From Opposition to Cooperation
Turkey’s inclusion in the statement is particularly noteworthy. Once a key backer of opposition forces during the Syrian civil war, Ankara has now softened its tone, seeking bilateral security arrangements and economic engagement with Damascus.
Motivated by security concerns in northern Syria, cross-border threats from Kurdish groups, and the need to repatriate millions of Syrian refugees, Turkey is exploring rapprochement with the Assad regime—a move that was previously unthinkable.
Recent reports suggest Russian mediation between Turkey and Syria is progressing, with both sides agreeing in principle to de-escalate border tensions and reopen diplomatic channels.
Conclusion: Toward a Unified Regional Approach for Syrian Peace
The joint declaration by Turkey and 10 Arab countries represents a significant diplomatic moment for Syria’s reintegration into regional politics. The emphasis on sovereignty, unity, non-interference, and international law underscores a shared desire to move beyond the turmoil of the last decade and toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.
With strong condemnation of Israeli military actions, recognition of internal progress in Syria, and growing consensus on normalization, the Riyadh meeting could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Syria’s relations with its neighbors.
However, challenges remain—including ongoing US and European sanctions, the need for massive reconstruction funds, and unresolved political grievances inside Syria. Still, the region’s shift from isolation to engagement suggests a pragmatic and coordinated approach to rebuilding peace and security in the Middle East.
