High-level meeting for Syria’s neighbours reaffirms support for Syria's stability, sovereignty, post-war reconstruction efforts

AMMAN — The high-level meeting for Syria’s neighbouring countries in Amman wrapped up on Sunday, reaffirming support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their country, safeguard its stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting brought together the foreign ministers, defense ministers, chiefs of staff, and intelligence directors from Jordan, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.

A joint statement was issued following the meeting, saying that the participants discussed "practical mechanisms for cooperation in combating terrorism, drug and weapon smuggling, border security, addressing other shared challenges in the region, and the developments in Syria."

Participating countries affirmed support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their country based on principles that ensure Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of the rights and safety of all its citizens.

"Syria’s security and stability are essential for the security and stability of the region," participants in the meeting said, condemning all attempts to undermine Syria's security, sovereignty, and peace.

The statement also condemned Israel's Israeli aggression and interference in Syria, as "blatant violations of international law." The meeting called on the international community and the Security Council to carry out their responsibilities to end Israeli aggression and oblige Israel to withdrawal from all Syrian territories it occupies.

The meeting also welcomed the outcomes of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, and encouraged the brotherly Syrian people to finalise the constitutional declaration announced "as soon as possible."

The participants also denounced all forms of terrorism and called for establishng a joint operations centre to coordinate efforts in fighting the Daesh terror group, and supporting existing regional and international efforts and platforms to eliminate the radical organisation.

They also underlined the need for intensified cooperation and coordination in combating drug and weapon smuggling and transnational organised crime, offering support to Syria in enhancing its capabilities in this regard.

The statement also affirmed support for the Syria people in their reconstruction efforts and the need for amplifying international support for recovery projects, and strengthening Syria’s capacity to rebuild the state and overcome the obstacles to reconstruction.

The meeting also underlined the importance of  lifting sanctions on Syria to enhance its capacity for reconstruction and meet the needs of the Syrian people.

"Working together with neighboring countries, the international community, and relevant UN organizations to create the security, living, and political conditions that would enable the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland in accordance with international law. The international community must continue to bear full responsibility for refugees in host countries until their return to Syria is completed."

The statement said that a second meeting for Syria's neighbouring countries will be held  in Turkey next month to build on the discussions held in Amman.