Delivered by: Ameirah AlHefeiti, Deputy Permanent Representative and Acting Chargé d’Affaires

Madam President,

First, I would like to thank Mr. Geir Pedersen for his valuable briefing today. We also listened carefully to Ms. Lubna AlKanawati’s intervention.

Madam President,

After twelve years since the outbreak of the war, the situation in Syria remains exceedingly complex, necessitating a comprehensive and urgent political solution that ends the suffering of the Syrian people and preserves the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the country. We reiterate once again that a political solution is the only way to overcome the Syrian crisis.

We are hopeful that we will make progress on the political track given some of the recent positive developments, including the support for a constructive Arab role aimed at helping Syria restore its stability and safety.

In this context, we believe the inaugural meeting of the Arab Liaison Committee, attended by the Syrian Foreign Minister, is a positive indicator of strengthened cooperation and understanding among Arab states. The meeting also serves as a follow up to the implementation of the Amman Declaration and further supports efforts to find a settlement to the Syrian crisis and address its humanitarian, political, and security consequences.

We welcome the communique issued by the Arab Liaison Committee on the Syrian constitutional track, in which it looks forward to holding the next meeting of the Constitutional Committee in the Sultanate of Oman by the end of this year. The UAE hopes that the next meeting of the Constitutional Committee will help overcome the longstanding stalemate in its proceedings. We stress the importance of the full and meaningful participation of Syrian women in all discussions related to the constitutional track, especially given the centrality of their role in developing and building the Syrian society.

Regarding matters of security, we reiterate the need for de-escalation across all Syrian regions, especially in northwestern and northeastern Syria. Such efforts are crucial for establishing security and stability, enhancing regional security, and creating conditions conducive for improving the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria.

On the other hand, the severe security threat posed by the terrorist organization Da’esh in Syria persists and must be addressed. Despite the continuous efforts to combat terrorism and the tangible progress made in countering Da’esh, this group continues to seek to reorganize its ranks, mobilize weapons, and recruit additional fighters, particularly in the camps located in northeastern Syria. This threat must be dealt with seriously.

We affirm in this regard the need to continue strengthening and coordinating international efforts to counter terrorism, wherever exits. We support here the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee’s call for increased cooperation among Syria, the concerned countries, and the United Nations to combat terrorism in Syria.

In conclusion, Madam President, it is now imperative to focus all efforts on supporting the political track by finding a solution to the crisis rather than merely managing it. Furthermore, we must support Arab and international efforts, including those made by the Special Envoy for Syria.

Thank you.