GCC Chief Affirms Support for Syria at Riyadh Meeting

RIYADH, January 12, 2025 — The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, affirmed the GCC countries’ unwavering commitment to supporting the Syrian Arab Republic on all fronts, with priority given to improving the living and humanitarian conditions of the Syrian people. The statement was made during the Riyadh meeting on Syria, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on January 12, 2025, and attended by several foreign ministers from GCC, Arab, and Western countries, alongside representatives of international organizations.

Albudaiwi extended his sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the high-level gathering, and welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Asaad Al Shibani, and his accompanying delegation. He expressed his pleasure at their presence at a meeting that reflects the joint commitment to supporting Syria and its people during a transitional and sensitive phase. In a region where stability remains paramount, the Riyadh meeting underscored Saudi Arabia’s convening power and the GCC’s determination to help Syria recover. The Secretary General also conveyed his greetings and appreciation to the entire Syrian people, wishing them safety, security, stability, and prosperity.

Context and Background

Why has the Gulf Cooperation Council placed such a strong emphasis on Syria at this particular moment? The answer lies in the profound changes that have swept across Syria, creating both opportunity and responsibility for regional actors. The 46th extraordinary session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held on December 26, 2024, in Kuwait, dedicated significant attention to developments in Syria and reaffirmed the Council’s fixed positions toward supporting Syria and its people.

Albudaiwi outlined the core principles that guide the GCC’s approach: respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial unity of the Syrian Arab Republic; rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs; countering terrorism and chaos; combating extremism and incitement; respecting diversity without offending others’ beliefs; and supporting all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability, development, and a dignified life.

The Secretary General stressed that Syria’s security and stability are fundamental pillars of regional security. He welcomed steps taken to ensure civilian safety, prevent bloodshed, support national reconciliation, preserve Syrian state institutions and resources, and disband militias and armed factions while limiting arms to state control. These measures, he noted, are essential for preserving security and stability in Syria and reinstating its regional role and international standing. The GCC’s consistent position reflects a long-standing commitment to Arab solidarity and the principles of good neighborliness that underpin the region’s stability architecture.

Key Details of the Riyadh Meeting

The Riyadh meeting on Syria produced a series of concrete commitments and welcomed several international initiatives. Albudaiwi highlighted the meeting’s welcome of United Nations Secretary General António Guterres’s call to establish a UN mission to assist and oversee Syria’s transitional process. He underscored adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, including state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, good neighborliness, and peaceful dispute resolution, to maintain regional and international peace and security.

He also noted the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee’s December 14, 2024, statement in Aqaba, which supported UN-led efforts to help the Syrian people achieve a Syrian-led political process, care for refugees and displaced persons, and ensure their voluntary and safe return to their homes according to international standards. The Secretary General condemned repeated Israeli attacks on the friendly Syrian Arab Republic, including the occupation of the buffer zone on the Syrian border, describing it as a gross violation of Syrian sovereignty and the disengagement agreement of 1974.

He underscored the international community’s responsibility to halt these aggressions on Syrian territories and demand Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Syrian lands. It was reaffirmed that the Golan Heights is Syrian Arab land, and the expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan was denounced as a severe violation of the UN Charter, principles of international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions. Albudaiwi also emphasized the need to lift sanctions on Syria to enable its economic recovery and urged all partners and concerned organizations to provide comprehensive support to the Syrian people.

Humanitarian and Development Priorities

How will the GCC translate its commitments into tangible improvements for ordinary Syrians? The Secretary General outlined a clear focus on relief and developmental support to meet the basic needs of the Syrian people, facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes, and promote political and security stability, economic recovery, and development. He stressed that necessary steps must be taken to achieve these goals and to mobilize humanitarian and developmental support for Syria.

The 46th extraordinary GCC Ministerial Council meeting produced several decisions that significantly contribute to supporting Syria on all levels. These included tasking a GCC delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Abdullah Al Yahya, and the GCC Secretary General, to visit Syria. That delegation met with the leadership of the new Syrian administration and conveyed a message of the GCC’s support and solidarity with Syria and its people during this critical phase, affirming the content of the press statement issued by the extraordinary meeting.

Albudaiwi also highlighted plans for an international donors’ conference, coordinated with the UN and the Arab League, to mobilize resources for Syria’s reconstruction and development. This conference would invite influential countries involved in the Syrian crisis and all concerned parties to extend support for rebuilding Syria. Such a coordinated approach reflects the GCC’s belief that Syria’s recovery requires a broad international partnership, with the Gulf states ready to play a leading role in financing and facilitating the process.

International and Regional Impact

What does the GCC’s proactive stance on Syria mean for the broader Middle East? The Riyadh meeting brought together a diverse group of foreign ministers from GCC, Arab, and Western countries, signaling a rare convergence of international will around Syria’s stabilization. The GCC’s emphasis on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity resonates with the principles of the UN Charter and aligns with the broader Arab consensus articulated in the Aqaba statement. By hosting the meeting, Saudi Arabia reinforced its role as a diplomatic bridge-builder and a stabilizing force in the region.

The Secretary General’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syria and his call for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Syrian lands, including the Golan Heights, reflect the GCC’s consistent position on international law. The GCC’s support for a UN mission to oversee Syria’s transitional process further demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution. In a region often defined by competing interests, the GCC’s unified voice on Syria offers a model of constructive engagement that prioritizes humanitarian needs and long-term stability over short-term geopolitical gains.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why does Syria’s economic recovery matter to the Gulf and the wider world? A stable, prosperous Syria would restore a vital link in regional trade routes and create new opportunities for investment, reconstruction, and economic integration. The GCC’s call to lift sanctions on Syria is rooted in the recognition that economic recovery is impossible without access to international markets, finance, and humanitarian aid. By mobilizing resources through an international donors’ conference, the GCC aims to catalyze reconstruction efforts that can rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, and improve living conditions for millions of Syrians.

The strategic significance extends beyond economics. Syria’s security and stability are fundamental pillars of regional security, as Albudaiwi emphasized. A peaceful transition that preserves state institutions and disbands militias would reduce the risk of extremism and create conditions for the voluntary return of refugees. The GCC’s engagement also strengthens the Arab world’s collective ability to address crises through diplomacy and development rather than conflict. For Saudi Arabia, leading this effort aligns with its Vision 2030 goal of fostering a stable and prosperous region that supports global trade and investment.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the GCC’s support for Syria connect to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? The Kingdom’s hosting of the Riyadh meeting and its leadership within the GCC reflect the Vision’s emphasis on regional stability, economic diversification, and international cooperation. A stable Syria contributes to a more secure neighborhood, which is essential for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to expand trade, attract foreign investment, and position itself as a global logistics hub. The GCC’s humanitarian and developmental initiatives for Syria also align with the Vision’s focus on improving quality of life and fostering sustainable development across the region.

In conclusion, Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to supporting Syria’s resurgence, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to help the Syrian people achieve stability, prosperity, and a dignified future. He also congratulated President Joseph Aoun on his election as president of the Republic of Lebanon and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability. Albudaiwi condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and called for international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Lebanon, while commending the assistance provided by GCC countries to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people. As Saudi Arabia continues to champion Vision 2030, its leadership in supporting Syria and Lebanon demonstrates a forward-looking vision of a Middle East defined by peace, development, and shared prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. Who is the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council?

A1. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi serves as the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He has been a vocal advocate for regional stability and cooperation, consistently emphasizing the GCC’s commitment to supporting Arab nations in times of transition and need.

Q2. What was the main purpose of the Riyadh meeting on Syria?

A2. The Riyadh meeting on Syria, hosted by Saudi Arabia on January 12, 2025, aimed to mobilize international support for Syria’s transitional phase, focusing on humanitarian relief, political stability, and economic recovery, with participation from GCC, Arab, and Western foreign ministers.

Q3. Which countries attended the Riyadh meeting on Syria?

A3. The meeting was attended by several foreign ministers from GCC, Arab, and Western countries, as well as representatives of international organizations. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani also participated, marking a significant diplomatic engagement.

Q4. What did the GCC Secretary General say about Syria’s sovereignty?

A4. Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial unity, rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs, and supporting efforts to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process.

Q5. What was the outcome of the 46th extraordinary GCC Ministerial Council meeting?

A5. Held on December 26, 2024, in Kuwait, the meeting discussed developments in Syria and reaffirmed the GCC’s fixed positions, including support for Syria’s sovereignty, rejection of foreign interference, and the need to combat terrorism and extremism.

Q6. How does the GCC plan to help Syrian refugees and displaced persons?

A6. The GCC aims to facilitate the voluntary and safe return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes according to international standards, while providing relief and developmental support to meet basic needs and promote stability.

Q7. What is the GCC’s position on Israeli attacks on Syria?

A7. The GCC condemned repeated Israeli attacks on Syria, including the occupation of the buffer zone, calling them gross violations of Syrian sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement agreement, and demanded Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Syrian lands.

Q8. What did Albudaiwi say about the Golan Heights?

A8. He reaffirmed that the Golan Heights is Syrian Arab land and denounced the expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan as a severe violation of the UN Charter, international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions.

Q9. What role does the UN play in Syria’s transitional process?

A9. The GCC welcomed UN Secretary General António Guterres’s call to establish a UN mission to assist and oversee Syria’s transitional process, underscoring adherence to the UN Charter’s principles of sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.

Q10. What was the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee’s statement in Aqaba?

A10. Issued on December 14, 2024, the statement supported UN-led efforts for a Syrian-led political process, care for refugees and displaced persons, and their voluntary and safe return to homes according to international standards.

Q11. Has the GCC sent a delegation to Syria?

A11. Yes, the 46th extraordinary GCC Ministerial Council tasked a delegation led by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Yahya and the GCC Secretary General to visit Syria and convey a message of support and solidarity to the new Syrian administration.

Q12. What is the international donors’ conference for Syria?

A12. The GCC plans to coordinate with the UN and the Arab League to hold an international donors’ conference to mobilize resources for Syria’s reconstruction and development, inviting influential countries and all concerned parties.

Q13. Why does the GCC call for lifting sanctions on Syria?

A13. The GCC believes lifting sanctions is necessary to enable Syria’s economic recovery, attract investment, and allow the Syrian people to rebuild their lives, stressing that comprehensive support is essential for stability and development.

Q14. How does Syria’s stability affect regional security?

A14. Albudaiwi emphasized that Syria’s security and stability are fundamental pillars of regional security. A stable Syria helps prevent extremism, supports national reconciliation, and restores Syria’s regional role and international standing.

Q15. What steps are needed to preserve Syrian state institutions?

A15. The GCC supports measures to ensure civilian safety, prevent bloodshed, support national reconciliation, preserve Syrian state institutions and resources, and disband militias and armed factions while limiting arms to state control.

Q16. How does the GCC’s support for Syria align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A16. Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes regional stability, economic diversification, and international cooperation. A stable Syria contributes to a secure neighborhood, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goals of expanding trade, attracting investment, and fostering prosperity.

Q17. What did Albudaiwi say about Lebanon?

A17. He congratulated President Joseph Aoun on his election and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, while condemning Israeli attacks and calling for humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people.

Q18. How can GCC countries contribute to Syria’s reconstruction?

A18. GCC countries can provide financial resources, technical expertise, and humanitarian aid. They can also participate in the international donors’ conference and encourage private sector investment in Syria’s rebuilding efforts.

Q19. What is the significance of the Riyadh meeting for Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role?

A19. Hosting the meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s convening power and its commitment to regional diplomacy, reinforcing its position as a stabilizing force and a leader in efforts to promote peace and development in the Middle East.

Q20. What is the GCC’s ultimate goal for Syria?

A20. The GCC seeks to support Syria’s resurgence, helping the Syrian people achieve stability, prosperity, and a dignified future through collective efforts, humanitarian support, and a comprehensive political transition that respects Syria’s sovereignty.

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