Saudi, Syrian Foreign Ministers Discuss Political Solution to Syria’s Crisis

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji welcoming the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. - Reuters
Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji welcoming the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. - Reuters
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Saudi, Syrian Foreign Ministers Discuss Political Solution to Syria’s Crisis

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji welcoming the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. - Reuters
Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji welcoming the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. - Reuters

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Jeddah on Wednesday upon the invitation of the Saudi FM.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed the joint efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, in a way that preserves Syria's unity, security, stability, and territorial integrity.

A joint statement was released following the meeting between the two sides, welcoming the start of procedures for resuming consular services and flights in the two countries.

The two sides also agreed on the importance of resolving humanitarian challenges, including creating an environment that would allow aid to reach all areas of Syria, establish the prerequisites for Syrian refugees and displaced people to return to their homes.

The Kingdom and Syria both stressed the importance of strengthening security and combating terrorism in all forms and enhancing cooperation to combat drug smuggling and trafficking.

For his part, Mekdad expressed Syria's appreciation for the Saudi Arabia's efforts to help end the Syrian crisis and for providing humanitarian and relief aid to those affected by the earthquakes that struck Syria last February.

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji on Wednesday welcomed the Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.



Albudaiwi: GCC States Continue Supporting Palestinian People's Legitimate Rights

15 May 2024, Australia, Canberra: Protesters hold flags at a pro-Palestine rally outside Parliament House in Canberra. (dpa)
15 May 2024, Australia, Canberra: Protesters hold flags at a pro-Palestine rally outside Parliament House in Canberra. (dpa)
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Albudaiwi: GCC States Continue Supporting Palestinian People's Legitimate Rights

15 May 2024, Australia, Canberra: Protesters hold flags at a pro-Palestine rally outside Parliament House in Canberra. (dpa)
15 May 2024, Australia, Canberra: Protesters hold flags at a pro-Palestine rally outside Parliament House in Canberra. (dpa)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi reaffirmed on Sunday the commitment of GCC member states to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He emphasized their efforts to enable the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.
Albudaiwi made these remarks during a meeting at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh with newly appointed Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mazen Mohammed Rateb Ghneim, SPA reported.
The meeting addressed several key issues, including the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and the ongoing and serious violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people.
Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC's position as outlined in the final statement of the GCC Supreme Council during its 45th session in December 2024. The statement emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian cause, the need to end Israeli occupation, and support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all occupied Palestinian territories.
He called on all countries to finalize recognition procedures for the State of Palestine and urged collective international action to achieve a permanent solution.

This solution, he stressed, should ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions.
The Secretary-General also underscored the importance of intensifying efforts by the international community to resolve the conflict in a manner that upholds the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.