Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani affirmed that the achievements in Syria during the year following the revolution's victory have restored the Syrian people's self-confidence and presented the world with a clear picture of their ability to overcome the past and move forward with unwavering resolve, despite the heavy legacy left by the former regime. He considered Syria after December 8, 2024, to be a "true success story" forged by the Syrians' determination.
Al-Shaibani's remarks came during a panel discussion at the Doha Forum 2025, titled "The New Syria After One Year: Assessing Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges," with the participation of Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, and US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak.
Restoring Confidence and Building the New State
Al-Shaibani explained that the most important achievement of the past year was the restoration of the Syrian people's self-confidence, after the previous regime had distorted their image before the world. He added that every achievement was made possible by the support of the Syrian people and the solidarity of Syria's friends, emphasizing that the next phase will witness even greater momentum in reconstruction and progress.
He noted that the living conditions are still suffering from the effects of sanctions, particularly the Caesar Act, but stressed that work is ongoing to mitigate their impact.
Foreign Policy: Openness and Restoration of Relations
The Foreign Minister explained that the current government inherited strained relations with neighboring countries and the West, but is now pursuing a balanced foreign policy based on openness and cooperation. He said that Damascus has succeeded in garnering broad support from Arab and foreign countries within a single year, pointing to a growing international vote affirming Syrian sovereignty over the Golan Heights, with the number of supporting countries rising to more than 25 this year.
Reconstruction and Economic Development
Al-Shaibani indicated that Syria is currently focusing on reconstruction and bolstering economic development by opening the door to Arab and foreign investments. He said that many industries have resumed operations in recent months, and that 2026 will see a greater focus on services and development.
He affirmed that Syria's image has fundamentally changed in a single year, transforming from a country used as a pretext for threats to a "model of inspiration and success," and that the international community now treats Damascus as an active partner.
The Israeli Challenge and Negotiations
Al-Shaibani addressed the Israeli threats, describing them as the most prominent current challenge. He emphasized that the red line for Syria is the necessity of Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian territories.
He stated that no security agreement can be discussed as long as Israel occupies new Syrian lands after December 8th, stressing Damascus's commitment to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the current US-mediated process.
Al-Shaibani warned against any Israeli attempts to interfere in Syrian internal affairs or fuel divisions, asserting that such policies will backfire.
Minister Al-Shaibani concluded by affirming that the Syrian people are the true capital of the state, and that the government emerged from among them and shared their suffering. He noted that political freedom and participation have become part of the new reality in Syria, which is steadily moving towards building a modern state that will inspire the region and the world.
Zaman al-Wasl
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