The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is in Saudi Arabia for high-level discussions with Arab and international partners to enhance coordination on Syria. These meetings aim to support the
Syrian people in their pursuit of a stable, secure, and peaceful future.
During the talks, the Foreign Secretary will emphasize the need for an inclusive, Syrian-led political transition and will offer the UK’s expertise in humanitarian coordination and accountability efforts.
Lammy will also engage in bilateral discussions with Saudi officials to advance the UK Government’s Plan for Change and strengthen international partnerships.
The meetings, held in Riyadh on Sunday, January 12, will focus on Arab-led initiatives to support Syria’s interim authorities. Key topics include mechanisms for holding the Assad regime accountable for war crimes and bolstering international support for Syria.
These discussions follow Lammy’s recent meetings in Rome with representatives from France, Germany, Italy, the US, and the EU, where the UK reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating humanitarian aid. Lammy will also highlight the importance of ending ongoing hostilities in Northeast Syria.
The UK remains dedicated to a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition that paves the way for an inclusive, non-sectarian, and representative government. Early engagements with Syria’s interim authorities have stressed the need for inclusive governance, improved humanitarian aid access, and cooperation on chemical weapons and counter-terrorism, particularly against the threat posed by Daesh.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated:
"The international community must unite to support the Syrian people as they work toward a democratic and diverse future. We stand with our partners to ensure civilian protection, aid delivery, and regional security. Syrians deserve a brighter and more prosperous future, and we are here to help them achieve that."
Attendees at the Riyadh meeting include Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, alongside representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, the US, the EU, the League of Arab States, and the UN.
In addition to the multilateral talks, Lammy will hold one-on-one discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and other Arab and European foreign ministers.
Following the Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia in December, these meetings aim to advance the UK’s goals of boosting investment, strengthening defense and security ties, and fostering economic growth in collaboration with one of its key international partners. Photo by lawepw, Wikimedia commons.