Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad emphasized the need for Syrian refugees to return to Syria, stating that Syria "welcomes all its children." After meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib in Jeddah on Wednesday, Miqdad announced that "whether Western countries encourage their return or not, they are welcome back in their country." Regarding the conditions for the return of displaced persons and reconstruction, Miqdad stated, "Those who impose conditions on us should keep those ideas to themselves. We did not plead, nor will we; we fought a war against terrorism. Those who want to help are welcome."
For his part, Bou Habib confirmed that the meeting was positive and several issues were agreed upon to be discussed in specialized committees within the Arab League. Bou Habib informed the Syrian foreign minister of his readiness to visit Damascus at any time and that he is welcome in Beirut whenever he wishes.
A bilateral meeting was held on Wednesday between the Syrian foreign minister and his Lebanese counterpart on the sidelines of the Arab foreign ministers' meeting, taking place in one of the largest hotels in Jeddah on the Red Sea. The meeting lasted about half an hour, during which they discussed the refugee issue, bilateral relations, and shared Arab issues. Miqdad had earlier confirmed President Bashar al-Assad's attendance at the Arab summit in Jeddah.
