Brussels: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) have highlighted the critical importance of Syria's security and stability for maintaining regional balance, emphasizing the need to respect the nation's sovereignty. This declaration was made in a joint statement following the 29th GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, whose country currently presides over the GCC, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Also in attendance were GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and senior officials from both sides.
According to Anadolu Agency, the joint statement underscored the necessity of respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs. It denounced all acts of violence aimed at destabilizing the country and lauded Syria's proposed roadmap to address the crisis in the southern Suwayda province, commending the efforts of Jordan and the United States in this regard.
In the previous month, Syria, Jordan, and the United States announced a seven-step roadmap to resolve the crisis in Suwayda following discussions in Damascus. Since July 19, Suwayda has maintained a ceasefire after a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes and Israeli military attacks.
The statement expressed support for actions taken by Damascus to bolster security, protect territorial integrity, build state institutions, and uphold the rule of law to fulfill the aspirations of all Syrians for a stable and prosperous future.
During the ministerial meeting, support was reiterated for UN Security Council Resolution 2782 of June 30, 2025, and a call was made for full adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Israel. The statement reaffirmed non-recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and urged all foreign actors to respect Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity fully.
Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December, Israel has conducted numerous strikes targeting military sites and assets across Syria, including fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations. Israel has also expanded its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, violating a 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria.
The GCC and EU also reiterated their backing for a Syrian-led, inclusive political transition process that incorporates accountability and equality before the law, supporting efforts to achieve justice. They emphasized the significance of economic recovery and reconstruction to enhance living conditions and foster economic stability, urging the international community and financial institutions to coordinate support for the Syrian economy in a manner that preserves the country's unity and stability.
The statement also highlighted the necessity of continued humanitarian aid across Syria, ensuring the sustainable delivery of assistance to those in need and protecting civilians and infrastructure. The ministers stressed that disarming and reintegrating all armed groups into unified national security forces are essential for internal security and political stability.
They reaffirmed that combating the terror group ISIS (Daesh) and other terrorist organizations, which continue to threaten Syria, the region, Europe, and international peace, remains a priority. Syria was urged to deepen cooperation with international partners.
Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party's decades-long hold on power that began in 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was established in Syria in January.