Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire agreement and SDF integration into Syrian state

Saudi Arabia has issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire agreement and the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with all their civilian and military institutions, into the Syrian state.

In a statement released late on Sunday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the efforts made by the United States to help reach the agreement.

“We hope the agreement will help strengthen security and stability, build state institutions and apply the rule of law in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people for development and prosperity,” the ministry said.

The statement also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for the efforts of the Syrian government to strengthen social peace and to preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

The statement was issued hours after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a phone call from Syrian President al-Sharaa.

During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in various fields. They also discussed regional developments and a number of issues of mutual interest, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

These developments come after President al-Sharaa signed an agreement on Sunday with the Syrian Democratic Forces that provides for a comprehensive ceasefire and their full integration into Syrian state institutions, particularly the army and security services.

The agreement also aims to extend state authority over areas in the north and east of the country. It has been widely welcomed at both Arab and international levels, especially following the recent violent clashes in north-eastern Syria.