Foreign Ministers Meet in Riyadh on Syria

Saudi Arabia hosted an expanded ministerial meeting in Riyadh focused on stabilizing Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad last month. The meeting included foreign ministers from various Arab nations, such as the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Iraq, as well as diplomats from the US and UK. Syria's new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani attended, and discussions centered on the international community's support for the interim Syrian authorities and the potential lifting of Western sanctions to aid recovery. EU Foreign Minister Kaia Kallas indicated that sanctions could be reconsidered if Syria's new leaders form an inclusive government. The summit reflects Saudi Arabia's ambition to lead regional efforts for Syria's recovery, despite concerns regarding the commitment of time and resources for such initiatives. This meeting follows earlier discussions among Western powers about Syria's future.