**ISTANBUL**
In a joint statement, Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria on Sunday condemned all attempts to undermine Syria's security and also expressed support for its government.
A meeting between Syria and its regional neighbors Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon, held in Jordan's capital Amman, brought together foreign and defense ministers of the five countries, as well as their intelligence chiefs and military leaders.
Following the meeting, the countries issued a joint statement and affirmed their support for the "brotherly Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their homeland on foundations that ensure Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while safeguarding the rights and safety of all its citizens."
Syria’s security and stability are "essential" for the security and stability of the region, the statement said.
The regional countries condemned all attempts and groups aimed at undermining Syria’s security, sovereignty, and peace.
"They also expressed support for the Syrian government in all measures it undertakes to reinforce the public order, protect Syria’s stability and the safety of its people," it added.
**Israel’s 'flagrant violation' of international law, assault on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity**
The statement also condemned and rejected Israeli aggression against Syria.
"Israel’s attempts to interfere in Syrian affairs … constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law and an assault on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and an escalation that will lead to further conflict," it said.
The participants urged the international community and the UN Security Council to uphold international law, end Israeli violations, and ensure Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories.
They also called for Israel to stop its attacks and adhere to the Disengagement Agreement signed between Syria and Israel in 1974, while welcoming the outcomes of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference.
**Terrorist groups, reconstruction, lifting sanctions**
The participants agreed to launch a joint operation center to fight the terrorist group ISIS (Daesh).
They also affirmed their cooperation to combat drug and arms smuggling, organized crime, and provide support to strengthen Syria's capabilities.
The countries also support Syria’s reconstruction efforts, mobilizing international support for early recovery projects, and enhancing Syria's rebuilding capabilities.
They affirmed the need to lift sanctions on Syria to aid in its rebuilding and meet the needs of its people.
The statement also said that the countries affirmed the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation, as well as infrastructure development, including energy and transportation, between Syria and its neighbors to support economic growth.
The countries affirmed working together with regional countries, the international community, and relevant UN organizations to create the security, living, and political conditions necessary for the "safe and sustainable" return of Syrian refugees in accordance with international law.
They emphasized the need for the international community to continue fulfilling its responsibilities toward refugees in host countries until their return to Syria is completed.
The countries affirmed they will hold a second round of meetings in Türkiye in the coming months to build on today’s discussions and make the necessary decisions.
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