Saudi Foreign Minister: The absence of an effective international will has prolonged the Syrian crisis

At the request of the USA and Italy, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended a ministerial meeting on the Syrian crisis in Rome, Italy.

He thanked the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio and the United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken for their invitation to the important meeting, which comes as a step that expresses the continued interest in one of the worst international crises. The authorities are looking forward to stopping the brotherly Syrian people’s agony, which has lasted more than ten years.

Under International Resolution 2254 and other relevant international resolutions, His Highness reaffirmed the Kingdom’s position that a political solution is the only way to solve the Syrian issue.

He emphasised the significance of international cooperation to end the Syrian people’s suffering and find a solution to the border crossings situation, so humanitarian aid can reach those who need it most.

He called out for not to politicise the humanitarian issue in Syria: “Neglecting this provides a suitable environment for the growth and spread of terrorist organisations and extremist ideology.”

“The absence of effective international will to solve the Syrian crisis contributed to some parties implementing expansionist, sectarian and demographic projects to change Syria’s identity and heralds the prolongation of the Syrian crisis and its regional and international effects,” he finalised.

After his speech, he emphasised the need for coordinating efforts to restart the diplomatic process, supporting the UN’s actions and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Gerpederson, and providing all aspects of support required for the success of his mission.