Syria seeks return to Arab League, hopes for support of its people’s will

Syria's transitional government expressed hope that the Arab League will support the will of the Syrian people and facilitate the country's return to the regional organization.

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani made these remarks following a meeting with a delegation from the League of the Arab States, led by Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki, who visited Damascus, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Syria’s foreign minister said he was looking forward to the return of Syria to the Arab League as the country’s new rulers seek a place in the regional political landscape.

Hossam Zaki, noted that the Arab League was working with member states to activate Syria’s participation.

"We hope that the Arab League will support the will of the Syrian people, and we look forward to returning to it soon," al-Shaibani stated. "We look forward to Syria's return to its place in the League."

Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended in November 2011, amidst the outbreak of the internal crisis and the subsequent escalation into armed conflict. Since then, Syria has been striving for a return to the Arab League, with officials expressing hope that the League will reinstate the country’s position in the regional fold.

This shift in regional dynamics culminated in the Arab League Council's decision on 7 May 2023, during an emergency meeting in Cairo, to restore Syria's membership in the organization. Subsequently, on 19 May 2023, former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad attended the League summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking his first participation in the event since 2010.

By Vafa Guliyeva