Arab and European diplomats met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to discuss vital support for Syria. The talks are focused on stabilising the region following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
The discussions included a session with Arab officials and a broader meeting with representatives from Turkey, France, the European Union, and the United Nations. A Saudi official confirmed these details to French news agency AFP.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, led the rebel group responsible for ousting Assad. He is now advocating for sanctions relief. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani represented Syria’s new administration at the meeting.
Western nations, including the United States and the European Union, imposed sanctions on Assad’s government. These sanctions responded to his crackdown on protests in 2011, which later escalated into civil war.
Over 13 years of conflict have killed more than 500,000 people and left much of Syria in ruins. Millions of Syrians have fled their homes, many seeking refuge in Europe.
Last Monday, the US Treasury Department said it would ease restrictions on essential services. These include energy and sanitation. However, US officials stated that wider sanctions relief will depend on Syria’s progress under its new government.
US Under Secretary of State John Bass also attended the Riyadh meeting. Before this, he participated in talks in Turkey. Discussions in Turkey focused on regional stability, counter-terrorism, and the lasting defeat of the Islamic State group.
Pushing for inclusive governance
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, suggested lifting sanctions if Syria’s leaders form an inclusive government. This government must protect the rights of minorities, she said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for a targeted approach to sanctions. She stated that aid must reach Syrians without helping those who committed crimes during the war. Germany has pledged an additional €50 million for food, emergency shelter, and medical aid.
The United Nations estimates that 70% of Syrians need humanitarian assistance.
Sunday’s meeting follows similar discussions held last month in Jordan. During those talks, diplomats called for a Syrian-led transition to establish a non-sectarian and inclusive government. They stressed the importance of human rights, combatting terrorism, and ending hostilities.
Arab and EU cooperation on Syria’s Post-Assad future
Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad’s regime in 2012 and supported efforts to remove him. However, in 2023, it hosted an Arab League summit that reinstated Assad.
This month, Saudi Arabia delivered humanitarian aid to Syria by land and air. These shipments included food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Anna Jacobs, a fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, believes Saudi Arabia wants to lead efforts supporting Syria’s recovery. She questioned how much time and resources the country will devote while sanctions remain in place.
