SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Interior Minister Anas Khattab held a meeting with the heads of internal security in governorates, to review security issues, enhance security and police procedures to ensure highest degree of preparedness.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement on its Telegram channel, that Minister Khattab emphasized during the meeting the need to enhance the speed of response to any emergency, develop police procedures according to the highest standards, and enhance the level of coordination and field monitoring among internal security leaders to ensure the effective implementation of plans.

 He also highlighted the importance of developing procedures to ensure the safety and security and protect national stability and confront potential challenges.

An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia’s Papua province on Thursday with no immediate reports of damage.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s epicenter approximately 200 kilometers from Jayapura, at a depth of 35 kilometers. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded the earthquake’s magnitude at 6.4.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there is no threat of a tsunami following the quake.

Four oil facility guards were killed and nine others injured on Thursday when a Ministry of Energy transport bus was targeted by an explosive device on the road between Deir Ezzor and Al-Mayadeen.

According to the Ministry of Energy’s statement, the attack targeted a bus carrying guards and workers at the oil facilities in the region.

The ministry affirmed that this “terrorist act is part of desperate attempts to disrupt efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure in the energy sector.”

The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

The National Arabic Music Orchestra captivated a full house at the Damascus Opera House last night with a special concert titled “Sung Poems”, celebrating the rich tradition of Arabic poetry set to music.

The hour-and-a-half performance blended classical poetry with elegant melodies, brought to life by a new generation of Syrian vocalists. The concert honored masterpieces made famous by legendary Arabic musicians, opening with “Atifa,” composed by Maestro Adnan Fathallah.

In a statement to SANA, Fathallah described the event as the culmination of a musical vision that marries authenticity with modernity, reviving the tradition of sung Arabic poetry-an enduring symbol of Syrian and Arab cultural identity.

“The enthusiastic turnout reflects the deep passion Syrians have for artistic and cultural celebrations,” Fathallah added.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Ministers of Culture Luna Rajab and Ahmed Al-Sawaf, alongside artists and fans of classical Arabic music from various generations.

The regional trilateral forum entitled “The Impact of Social and Economic Developments on Labor Markets in Syria and Neighboring Countries” kicked off on Thursday in Damascus.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, in cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The forum brings together experts, officials, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in labor markets, and to explore ways to enhance employment policies and social development in the region.

British Special Envoy to Syria, Ann Snow, emphasized that the Syrian parliamentary elections represent an important milestone in the country’s political transition.

In a post on her official account on X, Snow said: “I am in Damascus closely following the Syrian parliamentary elections. The process is still ongoing, and we are awaiting President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s selection of the final lineup of members.”

“I won’t comment in detail on the process, but this is truly a significant step in Syria’s political transition. Parliaments around the world play a vital role-not only in legislation but also in holding governments accountable.”

The Higher Committee for the Syrian People’s Assembly Elections announced the official results on October 6 for the provinces where voting took place.

In a previous interview with SANA, Snow affirmed that the United Kingdom and Syria share common interests in seeing a stable, free, and prosperous Syria-something that benefits the Syrian people, the region, and the UK alike.

The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) and the Arab Water Council have signed a scientific and technical cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening partnerships in water management and sustainable development across Arab countries.

The agreement, signed by ACSAD Director Nasr Al-Din Al-Obaid and Council Chairman Mahmoud Abu Zeid, focuses on unifying Arab efforts to address water security challenges, promote the exchange of expertise and applied research, and implement joint training programs to strengthen regional capacity in water management, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation.

In a joint statement, both parties described the agreement as a step toward greater Arab integration in water management and the development of sustainable policies to support food and water security.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent and comprehensive reforms across the UN system, emphasizing the need to enhance the organization’s effectiveness, streamline coordination, and align its operations with today’s global challenges.

Speaking before the General Assembly, Guterres outlined a vision for a more integrated and results-driven UN. “My vision for the system is clear: entities working together as one to deliver better performance-overcoming fragmentation, eliminating duplication, improving funding models, and maximizing collaboration,” he said, according to the United Nations News Center.

Guterres highlighted the need to improve coordination among the UN’s three core pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

As part of these reforms, the Secretary-General announced the establishment of a dedicated “UN80 Executive Team” to push forward specific reform proposals. These will be either submitted to relevant intergovernmental bodies or implemented directly when within the Secretary-General’s mandate.

The reform effort is being guided by three major workstreams: Modernizing operational methods and boosting efficiency across the UN Secretariat and agencies, including through unified digital management platforms.

Strengthening the mandate cycle to enhance coherence and accountability throughout the system. And aligning structures and programs with strategic priorities to improve outcomes and responsiveness.

Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, described the reforms outlined in Guterres’s report as “more than just a cost-cutting exercise,” adding that the “UN80 initiative” is about “efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to leverage the latest technologies.”

She also acknowledged the UN’s fragile financial state, reminding Member States that they bear a collective responsibility: “This is about the people the United Nations is meant to serve.”

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has renewed its commitment to finding a just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue.

The Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said a in a speech at the 19th meeting of the foreign ministers of the movement’s member states, held in the capital, Kampala: “The (NAM), under Uganda’s presidency, has consistently supported the Palestinian cause in the international arena, affirming the movement’s commitment to finding a just and peaceful solution.”

Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Representative of Palestine to the United Nations extended the Palestinian people’s and leadership deep appreciation to (NAM) for its continued support for Palestine and its people in various international forums.

He praised the efforts of the (NAM) and all parties in successfully achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid in the required volume, and preparing for reconstruction in the Strip.

 Mansour pointed out that these achievements coincide with international efforts to implement the New York Declaration and its annex regarding the two-state solution after the end of the occupation and the independence and sovereignty of the State of Palestine on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting kicked off on October 13 to 16 with the participation of political leaders and diplomatic representatives of member states.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed on Wednesday his country’s support for Syria in various fields to help the country consolidating its stability.

Erdogan was quoted by Anadolu Agency as saying at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara: “Turkey has never deviated from its position for 13 and a half years, and has not left the oppressed Syrians at the mercy of oppressors and terrorist organizations.”

He added that Turkish people have “successfully passed the test of brotherhood and neighborliness in this regard.”

Regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, Erdogan reiterated his welcome for the agreement, noting that Turkey has also stood with justice and the rights of Palestinian people and their just cause.

The Italian newspaper (Tuttosport) announced on Wednesday the final shortlist for the 2025 Golden Boy Award, presented annually to the best under-21 football player in Europe since 2003.

The final list included 25 young talents representing top European clubs, as follows :

-Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona),

-Désiré Doué (PSG)

-Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)

-Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

-Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

-Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)

-Arda Güler (Real Madrid)

-Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid)

-Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

-Jorrel Hato (Chelsea)

-Geovani Kenda (Sporting)

-Estevão (Chelsea)

-Leny Yoro (Manchester United)

 -Senny Mayulu (PSG)

-Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)

-Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bayer)

-Viktor Froholdt (Porto)

-Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham)

-Archie Gray (Tottenham)

-Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg)

-Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

-Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter)

-Rodrigo Mora (Porto)

-Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool)

 -Aleksandar Stankovic (Brugge).

The Golden Boy Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors for young players in European football.

Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr on Wednesday called for greater adoption of global best practices in sustainable agriculture to confront the growing threat of climate change, stressing the need for smarter water use and improved food production systems across the Arab region.

Speaking at the third joint ministerial meeting of Arab Ministers of Agriculture and Water, held as part of the 8th Cairo Water Week, Minister Badr noted that the diversity of natural resources across the Arab region provides a strong incentive to adopt integrated strategies for optimal investment.

He urged countries to build on their unique strengths to achieve Arab agricultural and food integration, with the goal of producing a surplus that can enhance the region’s role in global trade and competitiveness.

Badr underlined the need to strengthen research collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries in areas such as irrigation management, modern farming systems, and innovative solutions to environmental and climate-related challenges. These efforts, he said, are essential to achieving water and food security.

The minister also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the goals of sustainable agricultural development, especially in light of challenges posed by climate change.

He called for the expanded use of advanced technologies in agricultural production and stressed the role of the private sector in increasing investment and fostering stronger cooperation between agriculture and water-related institutions to ensure effective management of natural resources.

Badr praised the contributions of Arab and international organizations-particularly the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development and the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD)-for their field and research efforts in advancing water and resource use efficiency and achieving meaningful results.

The 8th edition of Cairo Water Week continues through Thursday, October 16, bringing together public and private sector leaders, scientists, and policymakers to foster cooperation in agriculture, water, and irrigation.

The event also serves as a platform for building partnerships with UN agencies, the European Union, civil society organizations, and government institutions.

The Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, welcomed the visit of President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Russia, as an important step toward strengthening Syria’s international relations.

Dujarric was quoted by Russia Today TV as saying: “President al-Sharaa’s presence in Moscow is important. It is important for Syria to consolidate its relations not only with its neighboring countries, but with all nations.”

President al-Sharaa met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Discussions during the meeting focused on bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance strategic cooperation in various fields.

Researchers have converted a blood type A kidney to a blood type O kidney and successfully transplanted it, they reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering, an advance that could reduce wait times for new organs and save lives.

“Traditional methods for overcoming blood-type incompatibility require days of intensive treatment to suppress the recipient’s immune system, while the new approach employs special enzymes to change the organ rather than the patient”. According to the journal.

In a first-in-human experiment, an enzyme-converted kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead recipient. For two days, the kidney functioned without signs of the rapid immune reaction that can destroy an incompatible organ within minutes. By the third day, the researchers saw a mild reaction, but the damage was far less severe than in a typical blood-type mismatch, and there were signs that the body was beginning to tolerate the organ, the journal added.

“This is the first time we’ve seen this play out in a human model,” said Dr. Stephen Withers of the University of British Columbia, who co-led the enzyme development. “It gives us invaluable insight into how to improve long-term outcomes.”

He noted that the research team is seeking regulatory approval to conduct large-scale clinical trials, with the goal of integrating the technique into future medical practice.

The Damascus International Dental Conference and Exhibition has begun at the Visual Arts Theater in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Damascus. The event is held under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The conference brings together a number of expatriate Syrian doctors, along with medical professionals from various Arab and international countries. The conference is accompanied by a specialized medical exhibition and scientific workshops held at the Reda Said Conference Hall at the University of Damascus.

Syria is taking part in the seventh meeting of the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Manama and organized by the General Secretariat of the Arab League.

Ahmed Qazziz, Deputy Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, head of the Syrian delegation, delivered a speech reviewing the current disaster situation in Syria. He outlined key challenges and ongoing efforts to develop a national disaster management plan with a focus on local preparedness and community resilience.

Qazziz emphasized the importance of strengthening national risk reduction policies, strategic planning, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to support local communities.

The meeting, which began on Wednesday, brings together Arab, regional, and international organizations. It is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plane was forced to make an emergency landing in the United Kingdom on Wednesday due to a crack in the cockpit windscreen.

According to a statement posted by the Pentagon on X (formerly Twitter), the aircraft was en route to the United States after Hegseth attended a NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Belgium when the incident occurred.

“The plane landed following standard procedures, and everyone onboard – including Secretary Hegseth -is safe,” the government said.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria’s liberation marked a historic turning point, ending more than four decades of isolation.

President al-Sharaa noted that the international community lost significantly by Syria’s absence from global surroundings, especially given its strategic location as a vital link between East and West along the historic Silk Road.

In an interview with the American CBS News, President Al-Sharaa explained that Syria had, in recent years, become a source of migration, a hub for captagon production, a site of chemical weapons use, and a battleground for complex regional and international conflicts. These dynamics made a political solution elusive due to the entangled interests of major powers, regional actors, and Israel.

President Al-Sharaa added that Syria’s liberation created a historic opportunity for the region and the world. The country has restored normal relations with regional and global partners, opened doors to investment and reconstruction, and reclaimed its seat at the United Nations. He called on the international community to lift sanctions and classifications that hinder Syria’s recovery and stability.

Regarding Israel, President Al-Sharaa underlined that Syria had not engaged in provocations and had clearly stated it would not serve as a platform to threaten any neighboring country, including Israel. Nevertheless, Israel has carried out over 1,000 airstrikes and 400 incursions into Syrian territory since the regime’s fall, targeting military and civilian sites, including the presidential palace. He described these actions as acts of war and warned that continued violations of international norms by Israel could plunge the region into chaos.

President Al-Sharaa reiterated Syria’s commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement and expressed readiness to welcome back UN peacekeeping forces (UNDOF). However, Israel rejected their return. He confirmed that negotiations under U.S. sponsorship are ongoing to reach a new security agreement, though Israeli policies suggest a lack of commitment to any future accord.

The Golan Heights is Syrian territory occupied since 1967, and its restoration is a legitimate right that Syria pursues through negotiations and peaceful means, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, President Al-Sharaa stressed.

President Al-Sharaa said that Syria has emerged with a new political identity after years of isolation. It now seeks balanced alliances with the West and the U.S., as well as regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Syria currently maintains calm and stable relations with Russia and China, based on shared strategic interests. Both countries have sent positive signals of support, and these ties do not conflict with Syria’s relations with the West or the U.S.

The President stated that Syria’s liberation on December 8 occurred without displacement or revenge. However, certain parties attempted to incite unrest in the coastal region and Sweida, exploiting minority issues to advance foreign agendas. Some incidents stemmed from the legacy of the former regime, which sowed division among Syria’s communities. For the first time, Syria has allowed UN committees to investigate these events.

President Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria is a state of law and citizenship. Since liberation, it has begun building a new political system through inclusive national dialogue and has formed a diverse government representing all segments of Syrian society. He noted that Syria is in a transitional period requiring years of effort to overcome challenges, and the progress made in eight months is a significant achievement.

Regarding northeastern Syria, President al-Sharaa affirmed that the March 10 agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) enjoys broad popular support and guarantees Kurdish rights within the Syrian constitution. He stressed that any cultural or social distinctiveness of the Kurdish community will be protected by law, while firmly rejecting any separatist ambitions.

He pointed out that the majority of the region’s population belongs to the Arab component closely tied to the Syrian state, and even within the Kurdish community, there is no unanimous support for the SDF.

President al-Sharaa noted that the SDF emerged during the war against ISIS with support from the United States and some Western countries. However, he argued that the continued presence of such organizations is no longer necessary now that the Syrian state has regained control. He warned that these military and security divisions undermine national unity and threaten the country’s stability.

He emphasized that a clear objective was set since liberation: weapons must be in the hands of the state alone. Any proliferation of armed groups, he said, would lead to internal security disturbances that could affect the entire region.

President al-Sharaa spoke of his personal experience in the fight against ISIS, spanning more than a decade of confrontation. He highlighted Syria’s extensive expertise today in combating the group, including handling sensitive cases such as the al-Hawl camp, which poses a growing security threat due to the extremist ideologies developing within it.

He clarified that the Syrian government is the sole authority authorized to handle this issue directly, not the entities operating in northeastern Syria. He stated that Syria had contacted the United States and other concerned countries from day one, and affirmed that Syria is capable of addressing these challenges independently, though it does not object to seeking technical or informational assistance if needed.

President al-Sharaa praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, describing it as a bold and historic move that reflects American recognition of the importance of Syria’s stability and unity. He urged all U.S. institutions, including Congress, to follow the same path and avoid delays in lifting sanctions to enable Syrians to rebuild their homeland. He also called for the restoration of relations between Damascus and Washington on sound foundations that serve mutual interests.

President al-Sharaa pointed out that Syria is rich in human resources and national expertise. In recent months, the country has attracted a large number of Syrians educated at top global universities. These professionals, selected based on merit and experience, represent Syria’s greatest national asset. He stressed that Syria is now on the path to recovery and requires genuine support from the international community.

President al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria is now poised for a new phase of economic growth, leveraging its diverse human resources and strategic geographic location. He noted that the country today offers a safe haven for investment in tourism, agriculture, and industry, with a business-friendly environment thanks to low labor costs and adequate infrastructure. Syria is also an emerging investment destination, particularly in energy and real estate, and could play a pivotal role in supporting global supply chains and meeting Europe’s energy needs.

The President stressed that rebuilding Syria is a collective responsibility that cannot be shouldered by any single individual or entity. The current phase requires the concerted efforts of all skilled Syrian professionals, both inside and outside the country, to contribute to reconstruction. “The era of unilateral authority is over,” he said. “Responsibility today is shared between the state and the people, and anyone who can lay a brick in Syria’s rebuilding must take part.”

MHD Ibrahim

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa met, Wednesday, the Libyan Ambassador to Syria, Walid Ammar.

The two sides discussed the media landscape and the challenges facing the sector in both countries, according to a statement by the Ministry of Information on its Telegram channel.

The meeting also touched on Libya’s experience in confronting misleading content that targeted the Libyan state during its transitional period.

MHD Ibrahim

Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammed Yisr Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husrieh held a meeting Wednesady with the Public Financial Management Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including the head of the IMF mission to Syria and senior directors and technical experts.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Barnieh stated that the meeting reflects the IMF’s interest in cooperating with Syria. He noted that participants commended the Syrian government’s progress in financial reform.

The meeting addressed Syria’s ongoing tax reform plan and explored opportunities for technical assistance to ensure its success. Discussions also covered customs reform and preparations to send a technical mission to Syria to support these efforts.

Participants also examined ways to strengthen Syria’s public financial management, assist in preparing the 2026 national budget, and reform state-owned enterprises to boost government revenues.

Barnieh stressed the importance of training and capacity-building in public finance and tax administration, noting that four technical missions are scheduled to visit Syria in the coming months.

MHD Ibrahim