Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has called for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria to help the country's reconstruction, BTA reports.
He expressed the position that “unilateral and international sanctions“ must be lifted so that Syria can begin the process of development and stabilization.
The message was delivered at the end of a meeting in Riyadh, which brought together representatives of various European and Middle Eastern countries, discussing the future of Syria after years of civil war and destruction.
State of play and next steps
The discussions between the ministers continued with attention to the conditions under which sanctions against Syria could be eased.
The European ministers indicated that they could consider reducing sanctions, but only after significant progress in protecting the rights of minorities and women in Syria.
According to the EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Kaia Kallas, the EU could lift certain sanctions that are hindering the country's recovery, including measures against access to banking services, if concrete results are achieved.
Kalas specified that the next meeting of The European foreign ministers will meet on January 27 to discuss these issues.
The European response and conditions for easing sanctions
However, the reconstruction of Syria remains subject to strict conditions set by Western powers.
Germany, through its Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has made it clear that sanctions against individuals close to the Bashar al-Assad regime and responsible for serious crimes during the civil war will remain in force.
According to her, while easing some sanctions is possible, it should be questioned until the Syrian people begin to benefit from the positive effects of the transition process.
Germany also announced financial assistance in the amount of 50 million. euros for humanitarian needs, including food, shelter and medical aid.
Call for lifting sanctions and preparing for reconstruction
The Saudi foreign minister, for his part, reiterated that sanctions must be lifted if the country is truly to be rebuilt.
He warned that limited aid and opportunities to rebuild infrastructure will not lead to the stabilization of Syria unless international sanctions are reconsidered.
Prince Faisal stressed the importance of global cooperation and the commitment of the international community to contribute to a better future for the Syrian people.
The Syrian government, represented at the meeting by Minister Assad Hassan al-Shibani, expressed hope that efforts would lead to the lifting of sanctions and the removal of humanitarian obstacles.