Egypt calls for mobilizing regional, global support for Syria

CAIRO

Egypt emphasized the importance of mobilizing regional and international support for Syria amid its transitional phase.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underscored this during phone calls Sunday with his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq and Algeria, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said the discussions were part of "intensive communications” being conducted by Abdelatty to exchange views with his counterparts on developments in Syria.

Abdelatty reaffirmed "Egypt's support for the Syrian state and respect for its sovereignty and the unity and territorial integrity of its lands."

He stressed the need for regional and international efforts to unite in restoring stability across all Syrian territories.

He also highlighted "the importance of mobilizing regional and international support for Syria during this transitional period."

Additionally, Abdelatty called for the initiation of "an inclusive political process that brings together all segments and components of the Syrian people, owned and led by Syria, without external interference, to pave the way for the restoration of stability in Syria."

Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime which had been in power since 1963.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala