Diplomatic consultations are intensifying following a significant meeting held on Sunday in Riyadh, where top regional and Western diplomats gathered to address the ongoing crisis in Syria.

The gathering included discussions on potential pathways for de-escalation and rebuilding, as well as a face-to-face meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani.

U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland also attended the Saudi-hosted multilateral talks, marking a notable moment in diplomatic engagement with the Syrian government.

During the meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the European Union’s position on Syria, underscoring the importance of maintaining sanctions against the regime while proposing a humanitarian relief package. This package, totaling 50 million euros, aims to provide vital assistance to Syrians suffering from the ongoing conflict, offering support in the form of food, emergency shelters, and medical care for those most affected by the violence.

Furthering the discussions, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, indicated that European Union Foreign Ministers are slated to meet in Brussels at the end of the month to deliberate on the future of sanctions. This gathering could signal a shift in the EU’s approach to Syria, as some member states push for more substantial engagement and others remain cautious about the potential implications of altering existing measures.

The Riyadh meeting reflects a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, as the global community grapples with how best to support the Syrian people while also navigating the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Syrian conflict.

Agencies.