EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks to journalists ahead of a meeting of top diplomats from the Middle East and Europe to discuss Syria, in Riyadh on January 12, 2025. Saudi Arabia, the Middle East's biggest economy, is seeking to increase its influence in Syria after Islamist-led rebels toppled Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024, analysts say. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)