The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed a historic moment in the fight against terrorism on Monday, as Syria participated for the first time since the coalition’s founding in 2014 in a meeting of the International Coalition to Defeat the ISIS. The Syrian delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Assad al-Shaibani and the head of the General Intelligence Directorate, Hussein al-Salamah.
A New Political Partnership
Syria’s participation marks the culmination of a diplomatic track that saw Damascus join the international coalition as the 90th member in November 2025, based on a declaration of political cooperation with Washington without military obligations. The step reflects growing global recognition of Syria’s central role in combating terrorist organizations while acknowledging Syrian stability is integral to regional security.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry repeatedly affirmed its commitment to preventing the emergence of ISIS safe havens on Syrian territory, while calling on coalition countries to support national efforts aimed at fully dismantling the group.
International Welcome and Saudi Support
Syria’s accession was met with clear international support. In the meeting’s final joint statement, coalition members renewed their welcome of Syria’s membership and emphasized their readiness to work closely with the Syrian government to defeat ISIS. Participants also welcomed the comprehensive agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes a ceasefire and steps toward integration.
Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Walid al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for the positive measures Syria is taking to enhance stability. He welcomed Syria’s accession to the coalition and praised the state’s assumption of responsibility for detention facilities and displacement camps housing ISIS members and their families, stressing that Riyadh supports all steps that contribute to strengthening security in Syria.
Shared Challenges and Future Priorities
The meeting focused on persistent challenges, including ISIS’s ability to adapt and reorganize. Participants identified key priorities such as the safe transfer and repatriation of detainees to their countries of origin, the reintegration of displaced persons from the Hawl and Roj camps, and enhanced coordination with Syria and Iraq regarding the future of counter-ISIS efforts. The joint statement stressed the responsibility of states to repatriate their citizens currently held in Iraq and Syria.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Shaibani held discussions with US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, reflecting Damascus’s efforts to deepen international cooperation on this issue.
Toward a Comprehensive Confrontation
Syria’s participation in the Riyadh meeting represents a qualitative shift in the international approach to counterterrorism in the region. It reflects growing recognition that an effective confrontation requires partnership with national governments, strong intelligence and security cooperation.
Participants must also implement a comprehensive strategy combining security measures with humanitarian and economic considerations. The development suggests lessons from previous years are beginning to translate into more pragmatic policies prioritizing stability and national sovereignty as the foundation for dismantling extremist networks.
