RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Wednesday that Riyadh is coordinating with Washington on procedural matters to implement the decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, calling the move "necessary for the stability of Damascus." Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh following the U.S.-Gulf Summit, Prince Faisal welcomed President Donald Trump's announcement from Riyadh on Tuesday to lift all U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria. He noted that the Kingdom would be among the first to support Syria's economic recovery. "The trilateral meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump, and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa — with the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over phone — underscored the need to support Syria," he said. He described the decision to lift sanctions as "bold and important," emphasizing that Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting Syria's stability and prosperity. He added: "We hope European countries will also move toward lifting their sanctions." "Syria has enormous potential and opportunities for major economic revival," Prince Faisal said. President Trump announced the end of U.S. sanctions on Syria during his official visit to Saudi Arabia, citing extensive consultations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as key to his decision. Turning to Gaza, Prince Faisal said the Kingdom and the United States agreed on the urgent need to end the war. "We hope the release of the American hostage becomes a starting point for a broader ceasefire agreement in Gaza," he said, reaffirming that Saudi Arabia insists on the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid. "There must be a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible," he added, praising the Trump administration's willingness to take bold decisions.
