Egypt Daily News – In a significant show of regional solidarity, the foreign ministers of 11 Arab and regional countries concluded two days of intensive talks focused on the escalating situation in Syria. The participating countries are Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Egypt issued a joint statement expressing their firm support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while calling for an immediate halt to Israeli military actions on Syrian soil.
The high-level diplomatic engagement comes at a time of renewed instability within Syria, particularly in the southern province of Sweida, and amid growing international concern over ongoing Israeli airstrikes and their wider impact on regional security.
Unified Stance on Sovereignty and Stability
In the joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their collective commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and stability of Syria. They strongly rejected any foreign interference in Syrian domestic affairs and emphasized the need to restore full Syrian control over all its territory.
“The unity and security of Syria are essential pillars of regional stability,” the statement read, adding that the countries involved remain committed to working with the Syrian government to facilitate reconstruction efforts and ensure the protection of Syrian citizens’ rights.
Welcoming the Sweida Peace Agreement
The ministers welcomed the agreement reached to end hostilities in the restive province of Sweida, where recent armed clashes between Druze communities and Bedouin tribes had left hundreds dead and many more injured. The agreement, brokered with the assistance of Syrian authorities and local leaders, aims to restore calm, protect civilians, and uphold the rule of law.
Support for Accountability and Law Enforcement
Commending Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara’a for pledging to hold accountable those responsible for violence against civilians in Sweida, the ministers reiterated their support for all efforts aimed at strengthening state institutions, enforcing the law, and combating sectarian incitement.
Condemnation of Israeli Airstrikes
A central point of the statement was the unanimous condemnation of ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Syria. The ministers described the attacks as “a flagrant violation of international law” and a “serious breach of Syrian sovereignty” that undermines the country’s reconstruction efforts and threatens broader regional peace.
The latest Israeli assault, carried out on Wednesday, reportedly targeted areas near the Syrian Ministry of Defense and military command in Damascus. The strikes followed an Israeli warning regarding alleged threats from Druze elements, according to Israeli sources. Syrian officials have yet to release a full casualty report.
International Responsibility and UN Action
The ministers urged the international community to provide robust support for Syria’s post-war reconstruction, calling on the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities. In particular, they demanded the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Syrian territories and the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 2766 and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Syrian Troop Withdrawal from Sweida
In line with the newly reached ceasefire in Sweida, Syrian army units that had been deployed to contain tribal clashes have reportedly withdrawn from the area. The withdrawal was part of the peace deal that brought an end to days of intense fighting.
Observers say the joint ministerial statement marks a rare moment of consensus among regional powers on Syria’s future, reflecting a broader shift toward diplomatic engagement with the Syrian government and a growing sense of urgency to prevent further fragmentation in the war-torn country.
