France to Host High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Syria

Paris is hosting a ministerial meeting today to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria, following previous meetings in Aqaba (December 2024) and Riyadh (January 2025).

Organized by the French government, the conference aims to build on these discussions with a broader international presence, earning it the name Aqaba+.

The event brings together foreign ministers from eight Arab countries, representatives from the G7, six European nations, the United States, Turkey, the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Syria is represented by its Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, while no other Syrian factions, such as Kurdish groups, are officially included.

The conference will feature a workshop-style session involving Arab nations, G7 members, the EU, the UN, and international donor organizations. Discussions will focus on:

Humanitarian and Reconstruction Aid: Assessing global contributions to Syria’s post-war recovery and transition phase.

Chemical Weapons Disarmament: Identifying storage sites, research facilities, and disposal methods.

Mine Clearance and Civilian Safety: Addressing unexploded ordnance that hinders movement and reconstruction efforts.

Organizers have outlined three main goals for the conference:

Facilitating a Peaceful Political Transition – Ensuring Syria’s sovereignty, stability, and security through a representative political process.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation – Strengthening coordination among Syria’s neighbors and key international partners to provide economic and humanitarian support.

Advancing Transitional Justice – Promoting accountability and justice mechanisms based on previous efforts both inside and outside Syria

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has traveled to Paris to participate in the talks, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive political solution that ensures Syria's unity and stability while addressing the aspirations of its people.