The text of the following statement was released by the governments of the Arab Contact Group on Syria, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the European Union, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria on the margins of the Aqaba Joint Contact Group ministerial meeting on Syria.

The Arab Contact group on Syria met with Ministers and Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the European Union and the UN Special Envoy for Syria, to discuss recent developments in Syria.

The participants:

Affirmed the full support to the Syrian people at this critical point in their history to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful future.

Expressed commitment to principles that they believe are in the best interests of the Syrian people, the region, and the world in this critical period. They believe the transitional political process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned; produce an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government formed through a transparent process based on the principles of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2254; emphasize their support for the UN Special Envoy mandate; and request the UN Secretary General to scale up the UN’s presence on the ground.

Affirmed the full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Stressed on the respect for human rights, including for women and minorities; preserve state institutions that serve the interests of, and provide critical services to, the Syrian people; exist in harmony with its neighbors; provide unfettered access for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement for IDPs and returnees; protect all foreign diplomatic facilities and personnel; secure and safely destroy chemical weapons stockpiles; and facilitate access to regime prisons and facilities for accountability and to determine the fate of missing Syrians and foreign nationals.

Affirmed the full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Stressed that the period ahead will serve as a critical test of these above-mentioned principles. Further, they emphasized the importance of adhering to these principles which will be fundamental in determining their approach going forward.

Underscored that Syria finally has the chance to end decades of isolation. They are committed to supporting and working with the Syrian people as they embark on this unprecedented transition.

Stressed the importance of combating terrorism and extremism, including preventing the reemergence of all terrorist groups. Further, demanded that Syrian territory does not pose a threat to any country, or a shelter to terrorists.

Affirmed their demand to all parties to cease hostilities in Syria.

Demanded respect of the sovereignty of Syria and its unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter by all.