Syrian President Bashar Assad has called for an “historic opportunity” for Arab states to remake their region “with the least amount of foreign interference”, in his first trip to an Arab League summit in over a decade.
He said Arab leaders should build on the reconciliation ahead of the summit.
Syria had been suspended from the group at the start of its civil war in 2011. It was readmitted after states which had backed the opposition accepted that Assad’s grip on power was secure.
“I hope that it marks the beginning of a new phase of Arab action for solidarity among us, for peace in our region, development and prosperity instead of war and destruction,” Assad averred.
“Today is an historic opportunity to rearrange our affairs with the least amount of foreign interference,” he added.
Assad’s presence had been highly anticipated since he was invited by Saudi Arabia to attend only last week. He was given a warm welcome, receiving a hug from his Saudi host, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia had for years supported rebel groups fighting to overthrow President Assad, with money and arms. However this was reduced as jihadist groups became more powerful and Assad crushed the rebels following Russia’s intervention in 2015.
Zelenskyy Accuses Some Arab Leaders Of Ignoring Russia’s Invasion
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused some Arab leaders of “turning a blind eye” to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy made these remarks as he addressed the Arab league at a summit in Saudi Arabia on Friday, May 19, 2023.
Of the Arab League nations, only Syria has openly supported Russia’s invasion.
“Unfortunately, there are some in the world and here among you who turn a blind eye to those (prisoner of war) cages and illegal annexations,” Zelenskyy said.
“I’m here so that everyone can take an honest look, no matter how hard the Russians try to influence, there must still be independence.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Also, Zelenskyy informed the assembled leaders in Jeddah that his country was defending itself from colonisers and imperialists, appearing to invoke the Arab world’s own history of invasion and occupation.
Zelenskyy urged leaders at the summit to resist Moscow’s influence and consider his peace proposals, which include the withdrawal of the Kremlin’s forces from occupied areas of Ukraine.
“I’m more than sure that none of you will agree to surrender a third of your country to the invaders,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian President met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before holding other bilateral meetings. According to a presidential statement, they discussed Zelenskyy’s peace plan, the security situation in Ukraine and possible investments in the reconstruction of the country. Zelenskyy also invited Prince Mohammed to visit Ukraine.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman renewed his offer for Saudi Arabia to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv to end the fighting at the summit.
Host nation Saudi Arabia has walked a delicate path regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The nation has supported a UN resolution calling for Russia to withdraw its troops and pledged $400m in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while on the other hand, it has resisted imposing sanctions on Russia, preferring to see itself as neutral on the conflict.
