The Course of Syrian-Saudi Political Relations (1993-1994)

Abstract

Following the conclusion of the Second Gulf War, Syria aimed to forge security arrangements with Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to ensure mutual security and stability, as well as to deter potential provocations from other parties. In pursuit of this objective, Damascus intensified its diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia as part of a broader strategy to navigate regional challenges. Discussions between the two nations concentrated on evaluating the evolving peace process in the Middle East and addressing the ongoing crisis, with a particular focus on achieving a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue and the Arab-(Israeli) conflict. This included demands for the total withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories. Nevertheless, the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was perceived by Syria as a significant concession regarding Arab positions on the Palestinian cause, which it believed undermined UN resolutions advocating for land-for-peace exchanges—a principle that had guided negotiations involving Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon. Despite these differing perspectives, Saudi Arabia supported the agreement as a pathway to peace. The bilateral relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia, marked by cooperation on various issues, gradually evolved. They collaborated to articulate a unified response to regional developments and bolstered the Arab League's role in Arab decision-making. The culmination of this collaboration was evident in the tripartite summit held in Alexandria on December 28, 1994, where Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt coordinated their stances against (Israeli) encroachments and worked to enhance Arab solidarity, thereby reinforcing Syria and Saudi Arabia's commitment to resolving Arab conflicts and improving regional relations.