The Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee held an intensive meeting on Tuesday. This gathering, precipitated by the monumental challenges posed by the Syrian crisis, brought together Arab foreign ministers to deliberate on the multifaceted humanitarian, security, and political dimensions of the conflict. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi highlighted the paramount importance of a united Arab front in navigating the complex dynamics of the Syrian conflict. He articulated the broader regional implications of the crisis, emphasizing that its resolution was not just a matter of Syrian interest but a regional imperative. Facilitated by Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sameh Shoukry, and the proactive involvement of the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Lebanon, the session provided a platform for insightful collaboration with the Syrian Foreign Minister. At the heart of their mission lay the advancement of the Amman Declaration’s implementation, dated May 1, 2023. Together, the participants pledged allegiance to reinforcing the Arab leadership’s central role in steering the Syrian crisis towards a resolution, ensuring that the process adheres to the guiding principles of the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2254. The dialogue, expansive in its scope, covered several pressing themes: 1. Political Path Forward: The committee was unanimous in asserting that a political resolution remains the most viable solution to the Syrian crisis. There was a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the rejuvenation of the Syrian constitutional process. 2. Humanitarian Relief: The immediate and long-term welfare of the Syrian people was underscored. Significant emphasis was placed on ensuring a consistent flow of humanitarian aid, specifically through crucial gateways like Bab al-Hawa. Positive developments were noted, such as the Syrian government’s decision to prolong the operation of the Bab al-Salama and al-Rai crossings for humanitarian aid until November 12, 2023. 3. The Refugee Crisis: An area of shared concern was the escalating refugee situation. Steps to address the repercussions for both the displaced Syrian population and their host nations were discussed in depth. The collaboration between the Syrian government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was lauded, with a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation solidified. 4. Security and Anti-Drug Initiatives: Security was a recurrent theme, with commendations extended to bilateral endeavors, such as the Jordanian-Syrian Joint Security Committee’s commitment to stifle drug proliferation. The recent collaboration between Iraq and Syria, which led to the disbanding of a significant drug smuggling ring in August 2023, was also acknowledged and praised. 5. Terrorism and International Cooperation: The threat of terrorism in Syria was at the forefront of discussions. The committee passionately called for amplified international collaboration to eliminate this menace. They endorsed the sovereignty of Syria, advocating for the removal of all non-sanctioned foreign military entities from Syrian territory, in alignment with global conventions. 6. Road to Recovery: Recognizing Syria’s ongoing efforts across various sectors, the committee provided constructive feedback and recommendations to expedite the Amman Declaration’s execution. This direction aims to ensure that Syria progresses from the prevailing challenges towards a promising future. The closing sentiments of the meeting resonated with appreciation and hope. Attendees expressed their gratitude to Egypt for its hospitality and the conducive environment for meaningful dialogue. The Syrian Foreign Minister’s constructive engagement was acknowledged, setting the tone for Syria’s potential reintegration into Arab and global platforms. The participants have collectively decided on Baghdad as the venue for their subsequent meeting. In addition, they proposed the creation of an expert-level contact group, envisioned to pave the way for future gatherings and ensure continuity. Originating from a resolution by the Council of the League of Arab States, the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee, formed in Cairo on May 7, 2023, symbolizes the unwavering commitment of the Arab world to the Syrian cause. The committee comprises the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt, along with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.
Source: Jordan News Agency