Foreign Ministers from several Arab countries met with their counterparts from the Astana Process countries at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha on Saturday to address the ongoing situation in Syria and recent developments.

The meeting included the Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq from the Arab nations, along with the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Türkiye, and a representative from the Russian Federation participating in the Astana Process.

In a joint statement, the participants emphasized that the continuation of the Syrian crisis poses a significant threat to the country's safety and regional and international security. They called for all parties to seek a political solution to the crisis, aiming to end military operations and protect civilians from the crisis's repercussions.

The Ministers agreed on the necessity of bolstering international efforts to increase humanitarian aid to the Syrian people and ensure its sustainable and unhindered access to all affected areas.

The Ministers underscored the importance of stopping military operations as a precursor to launching a comprehensive political process based on Security Council Resolution 2254. They highlighted the need to end the military escalation that leads to the loss of innocent lives and prolongs the crisis. The goal is to preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, preventing it from descending into chaos and terrorism, and ensuring the voluntary return of refugees and the displaced.

The attendees emphasized the necessity of continued close consultation and coordination among them to contribute effectively to finding a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis. They aim to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability, and justice while enhancing efforts to consolidate regional security and stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants received a briefing from the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson. They reaffirmed their support for the UN's efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis based on Security Council Resolution 2254. (ILKHA)