Saudi Arabia, UK call on world to support Syria to help it overcome its people’s suffering

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Saudi Arabia and the UK called Thursday for international support to help Syria overcome the suffering of its people following the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

The plea came at the conclusion of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s three-day visit to the Kingdom.

During the visit, Starmer was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamama Palace in the capital, Riyadh, according to a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a joint statement, the two leaders expressed their commitment to supporting efforts that ensure the safety of the Syrian people, halt the bloodshed, and preserve Syria’s state institutions and resources.

Both nations emphasized the need for the international community to work together with Syria’s citizens during this critical period of recovery.

They called on the international community to stand with Syria, offering the necessary support.

“It is time for the Syrian people to have a bright future marked by security, stability and prosperity,” the statement said.

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