Saudi Foreign Minister Calls for Greater International Engagement to Support Syria and Lebanon

TDT | Manama

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During the World Economic Forum's public session titled Diplomacy Amid Disorder, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need for enhanced international efforts to alleviate the burden of sanctions on Syria and to support Lebanon's path toward reform.

Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Syria, Prince Faisal highlighted the impact of international sanctions imposed due to actions by the previous regime. “There is a huge burden of sanctions that was imposed on Syria because of the actions of the previous regime,” he noted. While acknowledging recent waivers granted by the U.S. and Europe, he stressed that further measures are necessary. “Certainly, more needs to be done.”

Prince Faisal praised the resilience of the Syrian people, describing them as “incredibly capable and resourceful.” He called for both regional and international cooperation to help guide Syria toward a brighter future. “The region first, but certainly the international community as a whole, should engage to build on this positive development and help Syria and the Syrian people see a much better future,” he said.

Turning to Lebanon, Prince Faisal welcomed the election of a president after a prolonged political vacuum as a significant step forward. However, he underscored the importance of implementing meaningful reforms. “We will need to see real reform and a commitment to a Lebanon that is looking to the future, not to the past, in order for us to raise our engagement,” he stated.

The Saudi Foreign Minister also reflected on the broader dynamics of the Middle East, acknowledging the coexistence of challenges and opportunities. “We are certainly in a region that is abundant with risk factors, but we are also in a region that has huge potential,” he remarked.

Prince Faisal’s comments come amid ongoing discussions at the World Economic Forum, where global leaders are seeking solutions to geopolitical and economic instability. His call for greater international engagement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering regional stability and progress.