Saudi Foreign Minister meets with Syrian counterpart in Damascus
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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Shibani meets with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, in Damascus to discuss several key issues to ensure the country's progression.
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Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud gives a statement after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 (AP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan announced today during his visit to Damascus that his trip aimed to directly understand "the needs of the Syrian people from our Syrian brothers." He emphasized Saudi Arabia's readiness to support Syria's recovery and long-term development.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Assad al-Shibani, bin Farhan highlighted ongoing efforts to establish long-term programs to assist Syria, praising "the Syrian administration’s steps toward inclusivity across all segments of society."
The Saudi minister called for the swift lifting of US sanctions on Syria, stating that this was essential for the country’s recovery and stability. He revealed that Riyadh is engaged in dialogue with relevant nations to advocate for the lifting of sanctions and noted "positive signals" regarding this issue.
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani echoed bin Farhan’s sentiments, underscoring the Syrian people's demand for lifting sanctions, which have hindered economic growth and development.
He commended Saudi Arabia's position and efforts, emphasizing the need for Arab cooperation and support in Syria's next phase of rebuilding. "Saudi Arabia has a long history of supporting the Syrian people," he stated.
Al-Shibani expressed Syria's aspiration to be part of a collective Arab project aimed at achieving economic diversity, security, and stability in the region. He also emphasized that "Syria’s return to the Arab fold is a significant opportunity, and we are proud to be part of the Arab League."
US greenlights sanctions waiver
During the last day of his tenure, the Biden administration granted a limited sanctions waiver for regional countries assisting Syria's transitional government, Al-Monitor reported citing US officials.
On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed lawmakers that the administration was lifting restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for nations providing support to the de facto government in Damascus, which would typically face restrictions on US-provided assistance due to Syria’s designation as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism".
The waiver covers Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the UAE, and Ukraine, according to a State Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
As the Biden administration nears its end, following the fall of al-Assad regime on December 8, it did not rescind any sanctions targeting the former regime nor lift Syria’s State "Sponsor of Terrorism" designation, which was applied in 1979 during Hafez al-Assad’s presidency.
Earlier this month, the US Treasury Department authorized certain transactions with Syria’s transitional government, aiming to reassure aid organizations and banks that humanitarian efforts, such as providing water, electricity, and energy, would not violate US sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration maintained the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation for Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led the ousting of Syria's former regime and is now overseeing the country's political transition.
