Saudi Arabia has called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, following high-level discussions on the country’s future. In a statement after Sunday’s talks in Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized that continuing sanctions hinder Syria’s development and reconstruction, impacting the hopes of its people.
The meeting brought together top diplomats from across the Middle East and Europe, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Foreign Minister, and representatives from Turkey, France, the European Union, and the United Nations. One of the key topics was the possibility of easing sanctions on Syria, which have been in place for over a decade due to the government’s violent crackdown on protests that escalated into civil war in 2011.
While the US and EU imposed severe sanctions over Syria’s treatment of protesters and its human rights violations, there has been a shift in tone recently. The US Treasury Department announced some temporary easing of restrictions affecting critical services like energy and sanitation. However, Washington has made it clear that further relief depends on tangible progress within Syria.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, indicated that sanctions could be relaxed if Syria’s new leadership made strides toward forming an inclusive government and protecting minorities. European foreign ministers are expected to discuss this matter further later this month.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed concerns about the need to balance support for Syrian citizens with holding accountable those who committed atrocities during the war. Germany has committed another 50 million euros in humanitarian aid to address food, shelter, and medical needs, with seven out of ten Syrians requiring assistance according to the UN.
Saudi Arabia has made a notable shift in its stance toward Syria. While the kingdom initially supported the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, it hosted a landmark meeting in 2023 that welcomed him back into the Arab League. Now, Saudi Arabia is taking a more active role in supporting Syria’s recovery, providing food, shelter, and medical supplies. Riyadh is also working to ensure long-term stability and reconstruction, with plans to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
While Saudi Arabia’s approach is more cautious compared to countries like Turkey and Qatar, which have already reopened embassies in Damascus, it is signaling openness to the new Syrian leadership. Experts note that Saudi Arabia is closely watching the situation to see whether the new administration can bring stability and manage the more radical factions within its ranks, including the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham group, which has sought to distance itself from its Al Qaeda roots.
This shift in Saudi policy reflects a growing regional consensus on the need to support Syria’s recovery, while also balancing humanitarian concerns and the ongoing challenges of reconstruction.
