In a recent gathering held in Cairo, a group of Arab ministers underscored the importance of a political solution as the only viable approach to put an end to the protracted Syrian crisis. The meeting, attended by high-level officials from various Arab nations, produced a statement that emphasized the need for collaboration, humanitarian assistance, and international cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges arising from the conflict.
The core message resonating from the Arab ministers' meeting was the unequivocal endorsement of a political solution as the sole formula capable of resolving the Syrian crisis. The participants stressed the urgency of returning to the constitutional path, specifically highlighting the forthcoming meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, which is set to take place in the Sultanate of Oman. The ministers expressed hope that this meeting, coordinated with the United Nations, would pave the way for substantial progress before the close of the year.
Acknowledging the pressing humanitarian needs in Syria, the Arab ministers welcomed the Syrian government's decision to extend access at key border crossings to facilitate the delivery of vital assistance to those most in need. The ministers commended the joint agreement between the United Nations and Syria to provide humanitarian aid through the Bab al-Hawa Crossing for six months. Additionally, they applauded Syria's commitment to keep the Bab al-Salam and Al-Raei crossings open for humanitarian aid until November 13, 2023.
Addressing the ongoing refugee crisis resulting from the Syrian conflict, the ministers emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Syrian government and host nations to enable the safe return of displaced Syrians. This effort is envisaged to alleviate the suffering of refugees and create conducive conditions for their repatriation. The ministers highlighted the need for close coordination with UN entities, particularly the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, to ensure an effective and organized process. The Syrian government's commitment to establish additional UNHCR offices in areas of refugee return and provide regular updates on repatriation efforts was also highlighted.
The gathering in Cairo was a follow-up to the Amman Communique issued on May 1, 2023. This document aimed to bolster the Arab role in resolving the Syrian crisis and its associated implications, in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254. The participants reiterated their commitment to advancing this crucial initiative and building a stronger Arab collective effort towards a sustainable resolution.
The ministers also focused on the issues of cross-border drug trafficking and terrorism. They welcomed recent developments, such as the establishment of a Jordanian-Syrian joint security committee to control borders and combat drug production and smuggling. Moreover, the participants celebrated the collaborative efforts between Iraq and Syria in the fight against drug-related challenges, resulting in the dismantling of an international smuggling network. On the matter of terrorism, the ministers underlined the necessity of collective action to combat this threat in all its forms and manifestations, emphasizing the importance of synergy between the Syrian government, concerned nations, and the international community.
The Cairo gathering of Arab ministers illuminated the resolute commitment to finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis. Through unanimous endorsements of diplomatic pathways, enhanced humanitarian access, and cooperative efforts to address the refugee crisis, drug trafficking, and terrorism, the ministers demonstrated a shared vision for a stable and prosperous future for Syria. As these diplomatic endeavors continue to unfold, the international community's collaborative efforts hold the potential to bring lasting peace to a nation long plagued by conflict.