On December 12, 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation to discuss critical developments in Syria and regional diplomacy.
Advancing Inclusive Dialogue in Syria
The foreign ministers emphasized the urgency of convening an international meeting to initiate an inclusive national dialogue in Syria. This dialogue aims to involve all political, ethnic, and religious groups in strict accordance with the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. Both ministers highlighted the importance of safeguarding Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity during its political transition.
Role of the UN Special Envoy
The ministers reaffirmed that UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen should lead efforts to organize this meeting, following discussions during the Astana Troika ministerial meeting in Doha on December 7, 2024. They underlined the necessity of ensuring continuity in Syria’s transitional authorities to maintain stability and uphold the framework agreed upon by key stakeholders.
Broader Regional Cooperation
The two ministers agreed to collaborate with representatives of all Syrian groups and key international players to expedite the realization of this initiative. Sergey Lavrov noted that Russia is actively engaging with the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Arab nations to build consensus and mobilize support for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis.
Strengthening Diplomatic Momentum
This conversation follows recent high-level Russia-Arab state engagements aimed at fostering regional stability and advancing diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts. Both ministers reiterated their commitment to close cooperation in addressing challenges in Syria and beyond.
This dialogue underscores the shared responsibility of regional and global stakeholders in ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East.