لافروف: ندعم وحدة واستقرار سورية.. الشيباني: نفتح صفحة جديدة مع روسيا

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced today (Thursday) his country's support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria, confirming that an agreement was reached with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani to continue dialogue in this area.

Lavrov expressed Russia's eagerness to welcome Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara in Moscow and to establish correct and sound relations based on cooperation and respect, expressing his country's hope for calm in the situation in Syria.

He noted that Moscow appreciates the challenges there, the latest being what occurred in the Sweida province, expressing hope that the situation in Syria will calm down, and acknowledging the challenges, particularly what happened in Sweida.

He pointed out that the resolution of the situation in Syria will be through protecting the rights of the multi-sectarian and multi-ethnic Syrian community, showing his country's readiness to assist in reaching an agreement between Damascus and the Kurds.

The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized his country's opposition to Syria becoming a battleground for geopolitical competition among major powers, stating: "We constantly call for coordination and harmony of international efforts in Syria," adding: "We are interested in cooperating with Syria, and we discussed today the work of embassies, and we are grateful to the Syrians for providing security for Russian personnel and facilities on Syrian territory."

For his part, Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Al-Shibani said: "I discussed with Lavrov the reassessment of previous bilateral agreements, and we seek to formulate new terms in relations with Russia, which is going through an important turning point," adding: "Today, a new page has begun in relations with Moscow based on mutual respect."

He indicated that dialogue with Russia is a strategic step that preserves his country's sovereignty, noting that Russia can contribute to the recovery process in Syria.

He pointed out that Damascus is today regaining its global standing through diverse partnerships, stressing the need to acknowledge the wounds of the Syrian people, especially since sincere partnership requires recognition of these sacrifices.

Al-Shibani called on Russia to support the path of transitional justice in his country, explaining that there are parties that do not want stability in Syria. He noted that the war has exhausted his country and that it is time to unite Syrians both inside and outside.

The Syrian Foreign Minister affirmed that his country does not pose any threat to Israel and has no intention of carrying out any aggression against it, and that ongoing Israeli intervention complicates the situation in Sweida.

Al-Shibani reiterated that his country is responsible for minorities and not any external party, calling on Israel not to interfere in Syrian affairs or use the minority card.

He pointed out that the Syrian government intervened to end the fighting between the Bedouins and Druze in Sweida, and has no intention of attacking the Druze, but Israel exploited this issue, emphasizing that Syria cannot proceed with building and stability in the face of Israeli aggressions.

Lavrov and Al-Shibani held a meeting, the first since the fall of former President Bashar Al-Assad's regime, in the capital Moscow, where Al-Shibani stated during the meeting: "There are some governments that spoil the relationship between the new Syria and Russia, and we are here to represent the new Syria. We wish to open a sound and correct relationship between our two countries, and we aspire for Russia to stand by us in our path. Since December 8, we have been working to fill the political vacuum and have managed to maintain state institutions."

Syrian Foreign Minister's meetings in Moscow with Russian officials are scheduled to continue until tomorrow (Friday).