The Saudi Foreign Minister and his Syrian counterpart discuss strengthening relations
In a diplomatic move underscoring the continuation of dialogue and the development of relations between the two countries, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah , the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a telephone call from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic. The call provided an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations, review the latest developments on the Syrian and regional scenes, and coordinate joint efforts to address existing challenges.
Historical background and diplomatic context
This communication comes within the context of a new phase in Saudi-Syrian relations, which have witnessed a remarkable positive shift in recent times. After years of diplomatic estrangement following the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011 and the suspension of Syria's membership in the Arab League, Arab diplomatic efforts, led by Saudi Arabia, began to take shape to find a comprehensive political solution that would restore stability to Syria and preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. These efforts culminated in Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League during the summit hosted by Jeddah in May 2013, paving the way for the resumption of diplomatic relations and the reactivation of direct communication channels between Riyadh and Damascus.
The importance of communication and its expected impact
This contact is of paramount importance on several levels. Regionally , the continued Saudi-Syrian coordination represents a cornerstone of the Arab approach to resolving the Syrian crisis, known as the “step-by-step initiative.” This approach aims to achieve tangible progress on humanitarian, security, and political issues, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The dialogue also reflects a shared desire to contain regional tensions and prevent their repercussions on the region’s security and stability.
On the bilateral , this dialogue paves the way for discussions on vital issues such as facilitating the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and intensifying joint efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking, particularly Captagon pills, which pose a threat to the security of neighboring countries. This rapprochement is expected to open up prospects for economic cooperation and contribute to future reconstruction phases, serving the interests of both nations and contributing to sustainable development.
