The Foreign Secretary will meet Arab and international partners
today (Sunday 12th January) to drive forward international
coordination on Syria at a critical point in the country's
future.
Discussions in Riyadh will be Arab-led and focus on the next
steps the international community can take to support the interim
Syrian authorities, including mechanisms to hold the Assad regime
to account for the war crimes they perpetrated against the Syrian
people.
Building on the Foreign Secretary's meeting with France, Germany,
Italy, US and the EU on Syria in Rome earlier this week, he will
further stress the UK's offer to provide expertise on the
coordination of humanitarian aid. He will also reiterate his
concern about continuing hostilities in North East Syria and the
urgent need for these to end.
The UK remains committed to the people of Syria and fully
supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition
process leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative
government. We have been very clear in early engagements with the
interim authorities that we need to see action on inclusive
governance, facilitation of humanitarian aid and cooperation on
chemical weapons and countering the threat posed by Daesh to UK
national security.
Foreign Secretary, , said:
The international community must come together to stand behind
the people of Syria as they build a democratic future and a
diverse and modern country.”
We are united with our key partners from the region and beyond in
ensuring the protection of civilians, access to aid and security
within Syria and the wider region.
Syrians deserve a bright and prosperous future – we are here
today to support that.
The meeting will be attended by the interim Foreign Minister of
Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani, as well as representatives from
Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Jordan,
Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Turkiye, UAE, USA, EU, League of Arab
States and UN.
While in Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Secretary will meet one on one
with Saudi Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan
and a number of Arab and European Foreign Ministers.
Following the Prime Minister's December visit, will continue to deliver on the
Government's Plan for Change as he looks to increase investment,
deepen defence and security ties, and boost growth and new
opportunities both at home and abroad with one of our most vital
partners.
Notes to Editors:
- The UK has provided over £60 million in international aid
since the fall of the Assad regime to help the most vulnerable
Syrians, including refugees across the region.
