Following the meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Jeddah, a joint statement was issued indicating that the two parties discussed the necessary steps to achieve a comprehensive political settlement to the Syrian crisis that ends all its repercussions, achieves national reconciliation, and contributes to Syria's return to its Arab environment and its normal role in the Arab world. Both sides expressed their welcome for the initiation of procedures to resume consular services and flights between the two countries.
The foreign ministers agreed on the importance of addressing humanitarian difficulties, providing an appropriate environment for aid access to all areas in Syria, preparing the necessary conditions for the return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their areas, alleviating their suffering, enabling them to return safely to their homeland, and taking further measures that would help stabilize conditions across all Syrian territories.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing security and combating terrorism in all its forms and organizations, strengthening cooperation in combating drug trafficking and trade, and the necessity of supporting Syrian state institutions to assert control over its territories to end the presence of armed militias and external interventions in Syrian internal affairs.
The Syrian Foreign Minister expressed Syria's appreciation for the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to end the Syrian crisis and provide humanitarian and relief assistance to those affected by the earthquakes that hit Syria.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived today, Wednesday, in Jeddah, two days before the invitation of the Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers to meet to discuss Syria's return to the Arab League.
