In a significant diplomatic move, the United States, along with the Arab Contact Group on Syria and international partners, issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for the Syrian people and a Syrian-led political transition. The statement, released on the margins of the Aqaba Joint Contact Group ministerial meeting on Syria, brought together ministers and representatives from Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, the EU, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria.
The participating nations and organizations expressed deep commitment to helping Syria build a more secure and peaceful future, acknowledging the pivotal moment in Syria’s history. The statement underscored the need for a political transition process that is led and owned by Syrians, with the aim of forming an inclusive, non-sectarian, and representative government.
“Recent developments in Syria present a critical juncture,” the statement read. “We are committed to supporting a process that respects human rights, including those of women and minorities, and preserves state institutions that serve the Syrian people. Our focus will remain on ensuring humanitarian access, promoting accountability for the missing, and protecting diplomatic personnel and foreign facilities.”
The international coalition emphasized the importance of adherence to the principles outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a transparent and inclusive political process. They called on the UN Secretary-General to scale up the United Nations’ presence in Syria, further underlining the critical role of the UN Special Envoy in facilitating the transition.
The statement also highlighted the importance of combating terrorism, including preventing the resurgence of groups like ISIS, and ensuring that Syrian territory does not become a sanctuary for terrorists. Furthermore, the signatories reaffirmed their demand for all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to cease hostilities immediately.
The coalition also expressed hope that Syria, after decades of isolation, now has a real opportunity for change. They committed to supporting the Syrian people as they embark on this unprecedented political transition.
Finally, the group reiterated its call for full respect of Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, in alignment with the principles of the UN Charter. The statement underscored that Syria’s future stability depends on the full implementation of these principles, which will guide the international community’s approach in the coming months and years.