Riyadh Conference backs Syria’s Power Transition

Participants at the international conference on Syria’s future issued a statement supporting the current Syrian government while emphasizing that there is no place for terrorism in the country’s future.

The conference highlighted concerns over Israeli attacks on Syrian soil and stressed the importance of respecting Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while supporting the will of the Syrian people.

The conference, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, January 12, brought together foreign ministers and senior diplomats from Western and Middle Eastern countries. It was the first major meeting on Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s government fell.

Notably absent was representation from Iran, which had supported the previous Syrian regime. Among the key participants were Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and UK Foreign Minister David Lammy.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that EU foreign ministers would meet in Brussels later this month to discuss potentially lifting sanctions on Syria, aligning with recent calls from Germany, Italy, and France.

The conference also included bilateral meetings, such as Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan engaging with his Egyptian counterpart. Oman’s foreign minister reiterated the need for decisive action to ensure Israel’s complete withdrawal from Syrian territories.

In a parallel development, the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General expressed support for the safe return of refugees to Syria and backed the transitional government’s decision to disband armed groups and restrict weapon possession to state forces.

The Secretary-General also condemned Israeli attacks on Syria and criticized the expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, emphasizing that the region is Arab land belonging to Syria.

This conference underscores a shifting international approach toward Syria, balancing support for its current government with demands for accountability, sovereignty, and humanitarian aid. Moving forward, global collaboration will be crucial to ensure stability, address the refugee crisis, and resolve long-standing territorial disputes.

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