UPDATE - Arab countries welcome ceasefire, integration deal between Syrian government, SDF

UPDATES WITH MORE REACTIONS, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Lina Altawell

ISTANBUL (AA) – Arab countries on Monday welcomed a ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF group, describing the move as a step toward strengthening Syria’s security, stability and state institutions.

“We hope the agreement will help strengthen security and stability, build state institutions and apply the rule of law in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people for development and prosperity,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It reaffirmed the kingdom’s full support for efforts by the Syrian government to enhance civil peace and preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity. The ministry also hailed efforts made by the US to reach the agreement.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said the deal serves efforts to build state institutions and enhance security and stability in the country. It stressed the Gulf country’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also welcomed the deal as an important step toward strengthening Syria’s unity, security and stability.

In a statement, government spokesperson Fouad al-Majali underlined Jordan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity, and hailed US efforts to reach the deal. He affirmed the importance of implementing the agreement to serve the interests of the Syrian people.

Qatar welcomed the ceasefire and integration deal as a key step toward consolidating civil peace in Syria and strengthening security and state institutions in the country.

A statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry praised US mediation efforts and reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Syrian people for development and prosperity.

On Sunday evening, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire and an agreement for the full integration of the SDF into state institutions.

The announcement followed a military operation launched by the Syrian Army, through which it regained wide areas in eastern and northeastern Syria after repeated violations by the SDF of earlier agreements signed with Damascus nearly a year ago.