"In a joint statement, the Ministers affirmed the following: Their support for Syria’s security, unity, stability, and sovereignty, and their firm rejection of all forms of foreign interference in its internal affairs … Their strong condemnation and categorical rejection of the repeated Israeli attacks on the Syrian Arab Republic, which are a blatant violation of international law and a flagrant assault on Syria’s sovereignty," the statement, published by the UAE Foreign Ministry, read on Thursday.
The foreign ministers held intensive consultations over the past two days on the situation in Syria and agreed on the need to support the Syrian government's efforts to rebuild the country "on foundations that ensure its security, stability, unity, sovereignty, and the rights of all its citizens," the statement added.
They also welcomed "commitment expressed by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to hold accountable all those responsible for violations against Syrian citizens in Suwayda Governorate."
On Tuesday, the Syrian army and interior ministry deployed troops to Suwayda to clear the city of illegal armed factions. Later, they began withdrawing heavy military equipment from Suwayda toward Damascus, transferring residential areas under the control of internal security forces. The operation followed Sunday’s attack by armed groups on Druze villages, which also blocked the highway linking Suwayda to Damascus.
The Israeli government ordered an immediate military strike against Syrian forces in response to their actions. Israel claimed it acted out of concern for the Druze community of Syria, citing close ties with the Druze population within Israel and historic connections.
On Wednesday, the Syrian Interior Ministry said the Syrian armed forces and armed formations had reached an agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Suwayda.