A joint press statement was issued at the conclusion of the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Faisal Mekdad, to the Kingdom, as follows: "Within the framework of the keenness and interest the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches to everything that would serve the issues of our Arab nation and promote the interests of its countries and peoples, and in response to an invitation from Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Faisal Mekdad, paid a visit to the Kingdom on April 12, 2023. The two sides held a session of talks, discussing efforts to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria's unity, security, stability, Arab identity, and territorial integrity while also serving the interests of its brotherly people. The two sides concurred that it was crucial to address humanitarian issues, create an environment that would allow aid to reach all areas of Syria, establish the prerequisites for Syrian refugees and displaced people to return to their homes, put an end to their suffering, allow them to return home safely, and take additional steps that would help stabilize the situation in the entire Syrian territories. The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing security and combating terrorism in all its forms, and enhancing cooperation in combating drug smuggling and trafficking, emphasizing the need to support the institutions of the Syrian state to extend its control over its territories to end the presence of armed militias and external interference in the Syrian internal affairs. Both sides also discussed the necessary steps to achieve a comprehensive political settlement of the Syrian crisis that would end all its repercussions, achieve national reconciliation, and contribute to the return of Syria to its Arab fold and the resumption of its role in the Arab world. Moreover, the two sides welcomed the start of procedures for resuming consular services and flights between the two countries. For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic expressed Syria's appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to end the Syrian crisis and its provision of humanitarian and relief aid to those affected by the earthquakes that struck Syria."
