WASHINGTON: The foreign and defense ministers of the anti-Daesh coalition and members that have made major non-military contributions have welcomed the steady progress Iraqi forces and moderate opposition forces in Syria have made in denying the terror group access to territory, supply routes and resources.

This came in a joint statement, released by the US State Department, at the end of their meeting.

Saudi Arabia was represented by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the meeting.

The statement said: “To ensure that military victories lead to Daesh’s irreversible defeat, we are committed to an integrated, comprehensive approach to the campaign. Training and assistance of Iraqi and Syrian partner forces are essential elements of this approach. We also seek to reduce the impact of military operations on civilians ... Popular Mobilization Forces and similar groups operating in Iraq should be under the firm control of the Iraqi government.”

The statement added that “the coalition stands with the Syrian people and supports a genuine political transition based on the 2012 Geneva communique and UNSCR 2254, aimed at establishing an inclusive, pluralistic and non-sectarian government that represents the will of all Syrians.”