Final Statement of the Second Meeting of Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria with Participation of United States, France and Members of Mini-Committee

Iraq, represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein participated in the second meeting of the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria, which was held in Aqaba in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with the participation of the United States, France and members of the Mini-Committee.

The meeting released a final statement that affirmed support for the Syrian people at this critical stage to achieve a secure and stable future, while adhering to principles that guarantee a comprehensive political process led by Syria that results in a representative government which respects human rights, including women’s rights, and emphasizing the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, in addition to respecting the principle of sovereignty in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The statement also stressed the importance of respecting human rights, including women and minorities, facilitating the humanitarian aid access, ensuring freedom of movement for displaced persons and refugees, and protecting diplomatic facilities.

The statement stressed the importance of the transitional phase as a critical context for testing these principles, and supporting the efforts of the Syrians in cooperation with regional and international parties to end isolation and build a comprehensive political transition process. It also stressed the need to combat terrorism and extremism, and prevent the return of terrorist groups, while affirming that Syria territory should not be used as a haven for terrorism or as a threat to other countries, and calling on all parties to immediately cease hostilities.

The statement called for supporting the role of the UN Special Envoy for Syria, and scale up the UN’s presence on the ground by calling on the UN Secretary-General to do so. It also stressed the importance of creating a stable and safe environment that contributes to the return of refugees and the rebuilding of Syrian state institutions, while committing to a political process that respects the rights of all components of Syrian society.