Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government underscored on Tuesday the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and independence, reiterating its statement at the extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government also rejected foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, renewed support for the Palestinian people and urged the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The cabinet was briefed on Saudi Arabia’s talks with friendly nations over the past week, including the message received by King Salman from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The cabinet discussed regional and international developments, and emphasized the Kingdom's continuous efforts to foster cooperation through bilateral relations, and its membership in multilateral organizations and groups. All its efforts aim to address global challenges, promote security, and advance prosperity in the region and beyond.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary expressed the cabinet's strong condemnation of the ongoing violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. It unequivocally rejected and condemned any attempt at altering Jerusalem's historical and legal status, calling on the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for the grave violations against innocent civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine.

Moreover, the cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s latest economic assistance to Yemen, saying it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to stability in the country and helping the Yemeni people.

The support aims to strengthen Yemen's economic, financial, and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions, and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.

The cabinet reviewed the performance indicators of several key economic sectors in the Kingdom, and commended the significant growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research, and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.



Syrian Foreign Minister in Doha to Meet Senior Qatari Officials

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
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Syrian Foreign Minister in Doha to Meet Senior Qatari Officials

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, appointed by the country's new rulers, arrived in Qatar on Sunday to meet senior Qatari officials, a Qatari official told Reuters.

The officials include Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi.

Syrian official news agency SANA confirmed the arrival of the Syrian delegation, which includes the country's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and head of intelligence Anas Khattab.

The Syrian minister's visit to Qatar is his second foreign trip less than a month since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition fighters on Dec. 8.

Al-Shibani is expected to also visit the United Arab Emirates and Jordan this week to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships," according to his account on X.

He embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.