In a ministerial meeting of the Small Group on Syria on Thursday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed the necessity of reaching a political solution in the war-torn country and warned against foreign interferences, especially from Turkey, which poses a threat to Syria and the whole region.

Shoukry also stressed Egypt’s deep concern over “the destructive intervention” of some regional forces in Syria as well as the attempt to force demographic changes in the war-torn country.

“These attempts should not affect reaching a final political solution that aims to keep the unity of Syria’s territories and sovereignty in accordance with international resolutions.”

The Egyptian foreign minister also asserted the importance of fighting against the danger of terrorist organisations, especially in northern Syria and Idlib, adding that the Turkish presence in Syria damages not only Syria itself, but the region as a whole.

Shoukry added that the plans to spread radicalism and to transfer foreign terrorist fighters should not be tolerated.

The meeting was held via teleconference, the ministry said.

The Small Group on Syria comprises Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US.

Syria erupted into civil war in 2011 after President Bashar Al-Assad began a brutal crackdown on protesters calling for an end to his family’s rule.