By Mohammad Sio
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU affirmed Monday that Syria’s security and stability are essential to maintain regional balance, calling for respect for its sovereignty.
The message came in a joint statement following the 29th GCC–EU Joint Ministerial Council meeting, co-chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, whose country currently holds the GCC presidency, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and senior officials from both sides also participated.
The statement stressed the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and rejected foreign interference in its internal affairs.
It condemned all acts of violence aimed at destabilizing the country and welcomed Syria’s proposed roadmap to address the crisis in southern Suwayda province, praising Jordanian and US efforts in this regard.
Last month, Syria, Jordan, and the US announced a seven-step roadmap to resolve the crisis in Suwayda following talks in Damascus.
Suwayda has observed a ceasefire since July 19, following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes and Israeli military attacks.
- Stable Syria
The joint statement voiced support for steps taken by Damascus to strengthen security, protect territorial integrity, build state institutions, and uphold the rule of law to meet the aspirations of all Syrians for a stable and prosperous future.
The ministerial meeting also reiterated support for UN Security Council Resolution 2782 of June 30, 2025, and called for full adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Israel.
They reaffirmed non-recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and urged all foreign actors to fully respect Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes targeting military sites and assets across Syria, including fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations.
Israel also expanded its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, a move that violated a 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria.
- Economic recovery
The GCC and EU also reiterated backing for a Syrian-led, inclusive political transition process that includes accountability and equality before the law and support efforts to achieve justice.
They emphasized the importance of economic recovery and reconstruction to improve living conditions and foster economic stability, urging the international community and financial institutions to coordinate support for the Syrian economy in a way that preserves the country’s unity and stability.
The statement also stressed the need for continued humanitarian aid across Syria, ensuring sustainable delivery to those in need and protecting civilians and infrastructure.
The ministers underscored that disarming and reintegrating all armed groups into unified national security forces is essential for internal security and political stability.
They reaffirmed that fighting the terror group ISIS (Daesh) and other terrorist groups – which continue to threaten Syria, the region, Europe, and international peace – remains a priority and urged Syria to deepen cooperation with international partners.
Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long grip on power that began in 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in Syria in January.