The closing statement for the meeting of the Ministerial Contact Group on Syria was released today, namely: following the meeting hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud with the Foreign Ministers of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Hashemite Jordan Kingdom, the Republic of Iraq and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as following the contacts of several of these countries with the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as in accordance with the initiative of Jordan, based on the nomination of the Arab leadership in the efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis on the Step by Step methodology, the Saudi initiative Arabia and other Arab proposals The Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt met today in Amman with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic.
This meeting marks the start of meetings that will continue negotiations aimed at reaching a solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254 and addressing the full implications of the humanitarian, political and security crisis.
The Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt reaffirmed the priority of ending the crisis and all the killing, destruction and destruction caused by it, the suffering of the Syrian people and the negative consequences at the regional and international levels through a political solution that preserves the unity, cohesion and sovereignty of Syria, responds the aspirations of its people, rid it of terrorism and contribute to strengthening conditions. A reason for the voluntary and safe return of refugees, leading to the withdrawal of all illegal foreign forces from it, in a way to achieve national reconciliation and restore security, stability, prosperity and the role of Syria.
The meeting discussed the humanitarian aspect and the steps needed to make progress in efforts to address it in a way that will directly affect the Syrian people, as well as a range of security and political issues.
The Ministers and the Syrian Foreign Minister have agreed on an agenda for negotiations that will proceed according to the agreed timetable and in such a way as to bring together all international and other related efforts:
1- Humanitarian situation
2- Security situation
3- Political situation
The ministers also agreed on the following:
The delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance, which contributes to meeting the vital needs of all the Syrian people who need it, in all their places of residence in Syria, is a necessity. To meet it, it is necessary to unite all efforts in cooperation and coordination between the Syrian government and the relevant United Nations bodies Nations in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, including resolutions 2642 and 2672.
The Ministers welcome the decision of the Syrian Government to open the Bab al-Salama and Al-Ray checkpoints to the United Nations for the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance in the wake of the earthquake that struck Syria last February, and express satisfaction with the decision of the Syrian Government to consider extending this decision in light of its importance in ensuring that aid reaches those in need.
The voluntary and safe return of refugees to their country is a top priority, and the necessary steps must be taken to begin immediately.
– Strengthening cooperation between the Syrian government and refugee-hosting countries and coordination with the relevant United Nations bodies to arrange for the voluntary and safe return of refugees and an end to their suffering in accordance with specific procedures and clear time frames.
– That the Syrian government, in coordination with the relevant United Nations bodies, begin to identify the needs needed to improve public services provided in return areas, to consider providing them with Arab and international input, while clarifying the measures it will take. take steps to facilitate their return, including through their inclusion in amnesty decrees.
– Intensify work with the international community and the United Nations to accelerate the implementation of early recovery projects, including in areas where refugees are expected to return, leading to improved infrastructure needed to ensure a decent life for refugees who choose to return voluntarily. to Syria, including the construction of schools and hospitals, the creation of public facilities and jobs, and help to stabilize the situation.
– If necessary, take similar measures to address the issue of internally displaced persons, including the issue of the Rukban camp.
– Cooperation between the Government of Syria and the Government of Jordan, in coordination with the relevant United Nations bodies, in organizing a process for the voluntary return of about a thousand Syrian refugees to Jordan so that the Syrian Government guarantees the necessary conditions and requirements for their return and that the United Nations bodies satisfy them necessities of life in accordance with its approved working arrangements. And in the context of the early recovery process called for in the relevant United Nations resolutions, and that this includes at a later stage other countries hosting Syrian refugees.
– Expanding cooperation to advance efforts for the exchange of abducted and detainees and the search for missing persons in accordance with a considered approach with all parties and interested international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, in coordination with the Syrian government.
– Cooperation between the Syrian government, interested countries and the United Nations in developing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen security and combat terrorism in all its forms and organizations, as well as to stop the presence of terrorist organizations in Syrian territories and neutralize their ability to threaten regional and international security.
Work to support Syria and its institutions in any legitimate effort to expand its control over its lands, establish the rule of law, end the presence of armed and terrorist groups on Syrian lands, and end foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs in accordance with the provisions of international law and the UN Charter.
– Expanding cooperation between Syria and neighboring countries and countries affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border with neighboring countries, in line with Syria’s Arab, national and international obligations in this regard. In this context, Syria will work with Jordan and Iraq to form two separate joint political/security working groups within a month to identify the sources of drug production and smuggling in Syria, as well as the parties that organize, manage and carry out cross-border smuggling operations. with Jordan and Iraq, and take the necessary measures to stop smuggling operations, and put an end to this escalating danger for the entire region.
Agree on effective steps to address security concerns related to border security by establishing effective coordination mechanisms between the Syrian military and security services and their counterparts in neighboring countries.
– Work towards the early resumption of the work of the Constitutional Committee in the context of political steps aimed at achieving comprehensive national reconciliation.
– That the countries participating in the meeting are working with brotherly countries and the international community to respond to the positive steps of the Syrian government with positive steps, consolidate the achievements and gradually achieve a political solution that will end the suffering of the Syrian government. brotherly Syrian people and the catastrophic consequences of the Syrian crisis, achieve national reconciliation and put Syria on the path to reconstruction. Towards a secure future that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and their rights to live in security and dignity in their homeland, and restores Syria’s historic role in the region.
The ministers agreed to form an expert-level technical group to follow up on the results of this meeting and determine the next steps in the context of this targeted path aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis and eliminating all its consequences.
Ministers will contact Arab countries, friendly countries and the United Nations to inform them of the outcome of the meeting, which was agreed to be held during the consultative meeting of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. in Saudi Arabia on April 14, 2023.
The Ministers thanked the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the warm welcome and hospitality, and the Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt expressed their appreciation for the positive engagement shown by the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic in discussing the initiative and steps presented at the meeting. They called on the Syrian Arab Republic to continue the steps and procedures to overcome all the consequences of the Syrian crisis leading to a political solution that will end it and end the suffering of Syria and its noble people.