Syria’s FM promises strengthened regional cooperation with Arab countries

Syrian Interim Government Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani has announced plans to foster stronger cooperation between Syria and Arab nations in the region.

In a post on X, al-Shibani revealed that he had held telephone discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, along with the foreign ministers of Kuwait, Bahrain, and Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports. 

سعدت اليوم باتصال السادة وزراء خارجية دول الكويت، والبحرين، ولبنان، وتركيا، ووزير الدولة في الخارجية القطرية ووزير الدولة والاتصالات في الحكومة الليبية.

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— أسعد حسن الشيباني (@Asaad_Shaibani) December 25, 2024

He also mentioned talks with ministers from Qatar and Libya, emphasizing Syria’s deep ties with Arab nations. "Syria and Arab countries will soon cooperate actively in all fields," al-Shaibani said, adding, "Cooperation with neighbouring Arab states will be strengthened to fulfil the hopes and expectations of the people of Syria."

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya also held a telephone conversation with al-Shibani. The two ministers discussed recent developments in Syria and explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

Earlier, al-Shaibani expressed confidence that Syria would regain its position as a significant regional player. "Syria will regain its role in the regional and international arenas and will once again become a key player in the region," he stated.

Al-Shaibani also emphasized Syria's commitment to ensuring the safe return of "every Syrian forced to leave his land and his home."

The announcement follows a period of intense conflict, including a major offensive by armed opposition militias in late November, which resulted in the entry of opposition forces into Damascus on December 8. In the aftermath, President Bashar al-Assad resigned and fled the country. On December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, leader of the Salvation Government in Idlib, was appointed head of the Syrian transitional cabinet, which will remain in place until March 2025.

By Tamilla Hasanova