The Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS welcomed on Monday Syria as its newest member, saying it was ready to work closely with it.
The coalition convened in Riyadh, bringing together senior diplomatic and defense officials. Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji opened the meeting, which was co-chaired by US Special Envoy for Syria Ambassador Tom Barrack.
Participants expressed their appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued role in supporting regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and promote stability.
They welcomed the comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces, including the permanent ceasefire and arrangements for the civil and military integration of northeast Syria.
They noted the Syrian government's stated intention to assume national leadership of counter-ISIS efforts and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by the SDF in the fight against ISIS. Participants also thanked the Iraqi government for its continued leadership in the fight against the extremist group.
The participants reiterated their priorities, including the swift transfer and safeguarding of ISIS detainees, third-country repatriation, the dignified reintegration of families from al-Hol and Roj camps in Syria to their communities of origin, and continued coordination with Damascus and Baghdad on the future of the ISIS campaign in Syria and Iraq.
Moreover, the participants welcomed the Syrian government as the 90th member of the coalition. They underscored their readiness to work closely with Damascus and encouraged members to provide direct support to Syrian and Iraqi efforts.
Officials commended Iraq’s efforts to securely detain ISIS fighters and welcomed Syria’s assumption of responsibility for detention facilities and displacement camps housing ISIS fighters and their family members.
They also reiterated the need for countries to take responsibility for and repatriate their nationals from Iraq and Syria.
Coalition members expressed their gratitude to Iraq for its leadership and recognized that the transfer of detainees into Iraqi custody is essential to regional security. They stressed their shared commitment to defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria, pledging continued support to both governments in securing ISIS-affiliated detainees.
