AMMAN: Regional leaders from Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt convened in Amman on Monday to discuss Syria’s return to the Arab fold and a Jordanian proposal for a political solution to the long-running Syrian conflict.
The talks began with a meeting between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, followed by a meeting of all the ministers.
The Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman said the talks were a follow-up to discussions with the Arab Gulf countries, Iraq, and Egypt that took place in Saudi Arabia last month.
The spokesman added that the goal was to build on recent contacts with the Syrian government and explore a “Jordanian initiative to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis.”
Syria was shunned by Arab governments after President Bashar Assad’s violent crackdown on protesters during the 2011 uprising that spiraled into a devastating civil war.
However, as Assad tightened his grip on power over most of the country, Syria’s neighbors have begun taking steps towards reconciliation.
The push for improved relations has gained momentum after a deadly earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February, along with the Chinese-brokered resumption of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, who had backed opposing sides in the conflict.
Last month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made the first visit by a top Saudi official to Damascus in more than a decade, signaling a possible thaw in relations.
Political solution to Syria’s crisis
The Jordanian initiative seeks to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis and facilitate Syria’s return to the Arab League, from which the country was suspended in 2011.
The initiative is part of a greater and broader initiative by regional leaders to stabilize the region and counter Iranian influence.
The talks in Amman are the latest in a series of diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced millions since 2011.
The United Nations has been pushing for a political resolution to the crisis, but progress has been slow owing to the complex nature of the conflict and the involvement of various foreign powers.
The outcome of the talks in Amman remains uncertain, but regional leaders hope to build on recent positive developments and move closer to a lasting solution to the Syrian crisis.
