SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Riyadh, SANA- Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement of formation of the new Syrian government, hoping that this government will achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people.

In a statement posted by Saudi Press Agency(SPA) on Sunday, Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s aspiration to cooperate and work with the new Syrian government to embody further the fraternal and historical relations between the two brotherly countries, and strengthen ties in all fields.

The ministry also expressed its wishes for the new Syrian government’s success in achieving security, stability, and prosperity for Syria.

Rafah al-Allouni/ Manar Salameh

Asaad al-Shaibani

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates

• Born in 1987
• Graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Department of English Language and Literature, Damascus University.
• Holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from “Sabahattin Zaim” University in Turkey.
• Currently a Ph.D. researcher in International Relations.
• Completing the final phase of a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Witnessed the Syrian revolution from its outbreak and participated in founding the Syrian Salvation Government in 2017.
• Established the Department of Political Affairs within the Syrian Salvation Government.
• Appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian Interim Government.
• Reestablished Syria’s representation internationally at global forums and Arab and international conferences.

Murhaf Ahmad Abu Qasra

Minister of Defense

• Born in 1984.
• Graduated from Damascus University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.
• Currently pursuing a master’s degree at Idlib University.
• Joined the army and armed forces, completing compulsory military service before the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, holding the rank of First Lieutenant, specializing in field artillery.
• Became actively involved in the Syrian revolution from its early stages and served as a military commander in Hama.
• Led the military wing for five years, during which he focused on enhancing his military and tactical capabilities and establishing the “Shahin” brigades.
• Appointed as Minister of Defense in the Syrian Interim Government.
• Dedicated to advancing military industries and the systems of reconnaissance, night combat, and drones. Additionally, served as a member of the military council in the “Al-Fateh Al-Mubin” operations room and as a military commander in the “Deterrence of Aggression” operations.

 Anas Khattab

Minister of Interior

• Born in 1987.
• Studied at the Faculty of Architectural Engineering.
• Joined the Syrian revolution from its onset in 2011.
• Worked in the administrative field within the ranks of the Syrian revolution until 2016.
• Then, he moved to work in the security field until 2024.
• Founded the General Security Service within the Syrian Salvation Government.
• Appointed as the Head of General Intelligence Service in the Syrian Interim Government.

Mazhar Abdul Rahman al-Wais

Minister of Justice

• Born in 1980.
• Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Damascus University.
• Studied in the Department of Islamic Sharia Law, completed a preliminary master’s degree, and is currently preparing for his master’s thesis.
• Imprisoned for six years by the deposed regime due to his supportive stance toward the Syrian people.
• Joined the Syrian revolution after his release from prison.
• Worked in revolutionary judicial bodies and was a founding member since 2013.
• Contributed to the establishment of the Ministry of Justice in northern Syria.
• Member of the Supreme Judicial Council since 2017 until the liberation of Damascus.

Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri

Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments)

• Born in 1961.
• Holds a degree in Law from Damascus University.
• Obtained a degree in Islamic Sharia from the Faculty of Islamic Daawa.
• Earned a Master’s degree from the Minhaj-ul-Quran University in Lahore, Pakistan.
• Completed a Ph.D. in Sharia and Law from the University Institute for Daawa in Beirut, Lebanon.
• Served as the Imam and Preacher of Imam al-Shafi’i Mosque in al-Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus and as Director of the Qur’an Institute there.
• Certified in memorization and recitation of the holy Qur’an.
• Authored numerous legal and religious publications.

Marwan al-Halabi

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

• Born in 1964.
• Holds a postgraduate degree (CMSc) in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Surgery from Damascus University.
• Earned dual postgraduate diplomas (PGDip) in Applied Biology of Reproduction from France-Comté University and Laparoscopic Surgery from Claude Bernard University.
• Obtained advanced specialization certificates (AFSA) in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Surgery, and Reproductive Medicine from France.
• Professor of Reproductive Medicine, Embryology, and Genetics at the Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University.
• Head of the Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, and Genetics at Damascus University (2014–2017).
• Editor-in-Chief of the Damascus University Journal for Medical Sciences.
• President of the Syrian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015–2024).
• President of the Middle East Fertility Society (MEFS) (2015–2018).
• Member of international, European, and American societies for infertility and reproductive health.

Hind Kabawat

 Minister of Social Affairs

• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Law from Damascus University.
• Earned a certificate in Dispute Resolution and Arbitration from the University of Toronto, Canada.
• Completed a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from Fletcher University in the United States.
• Professor at George Mason University in the United States.
• Former visiting member of the Negotiation Program at Harvard Law School.
• Contributed to numerous active institutions and civil organizations in Syria and abroad.

Mohammad al-Bashir

Minister of Energy

• Born in 1983.
• Holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Aleppo University (2007).
• Completed a Master’s degree in Sharia and Law at Idlib University (2024).
• Worked as supervising Engineer at the Syrian Gas Company and later served as Head of the Precision Instruments Department at the Gas Plant (2011).
• Participated in the Syrian revolution from its onset in 2011.
• Obtained a certificate in Project Management from the International Academy for Training, Languages, and Consulting (2021).
• Received a certificate in Principles of Planning and Administrative Organization (2021).
• Director of Associations Affairs in the Ministry of Development and Humanitarian Affairs.
• Minister of Development and Humanitarian Affairs in the Syrian Salvation Government (fifth and sixth terms).
• Prime Minister in the Syrian Salvation Government (seventh term).
• Appointed as a prime minister in the Syrian Interim Government following the downfall of the Assad regime.

Mohammad Yusr Barniyeh

Minister of Finance

• Born in 1967.
• Graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Damascus University in 1990.
• Pursued graduate studies in Economics at Kansas State University (Wichita) and Oklahoma State University in the United States between 1990 and 1994.
• Trained at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York in 1996.
• Joined the Arab Monetary Fund as an economist in 1996.
• Between 2004 and 2007, contributed to establishing the Syrian Commission on Financial Markets and Securities and the Damascus Securities Exchange.
• Held various positions at the Arab Monetary Fund from 2009 to 2024, including serving as Director of the Economic Policies Department.
• Assumed responsibilities as Secretary General of the Board of Governors of Arab Central Banks and Secretary General of the Arab Finance Ministers’ Council.
• Participated in several international committees that worked to establish global standards.

Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar

Minister of Economy and Industry

• Held the position of Minister of Economy and Trade and served as Chairman of the Supreme Investment Council.
• Served as Secretary General of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).
• Worked as Head of Market Performance Analysis at Fannie Mae and previously held the position of Vice President at Johnson & Higgins in Washington.
• Taught courses on macroeconomics, global economics, money and banking, and government methods for several years at George Washington University.
• Awarded the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Banking Excellence in 2006.

Musab al-Ali

 Minister of Health

• Born in 1985.
• Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Homs University.
• Specialized in neurosurgery as a postgraduate student at Aleppo University in 2009.
• Worked in neurosurgery at several hospitals in Germany.
• Holds the German “Facharzt” certification in brain, spinal cord, and nerve surgery.
• Currently serves as a consultant neurosurgeon.
• Participated in numerous medical meetings, gatherings, and conferences both in Germany and internationally.

Mohammad Anjarani

Minister of Local Administration and Environment

• Born in 1992.
• Holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Participated in the Syrian revolution from its early days and was arrested by the ousted regime in late 2011.
• Contributed to the establishment of the Ministry of Awqaf within the Syrian Salvation Government and served as its Secretary General.
• Served as the General Administrator for the Aleppo region.
• Held the position of President of the Central Commission for Inspection and Control.
• Served as Minister of Local Administration in the Syrian Salvation Government for the last two terms.
• Appointed as Minister of Local Administration and Environment in the Syrian Interim Government.
• Worked on establishing and managing several humanitarian and developmental organizations in Aleppo and Idlib.

Raed al-Saleh

Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management

• Born in 1984.
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
• Received advanced training programs in search and rescue and disaster management.
• Played a key role in the founding of the Syrian Civil Defense and later became the head of the organization.
• Represented the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) at prestigious international forums, including two UN Security Council meetings (2015 and 2024), UN General Assembly meetings (2016 and 2017), and other global gatherings.
• Recipient of numerous local and international awards, including being recognized among the 100 most influential figures of 2017 by Time
• Awarded the “Interaction” leadership and courage prize by the International Alliance for Humanitarian Organizations.
• Under his leadership, the Syrian Civil Defense received more than 40 honors and international awards.
• Led the Civil Defense’s response to the devastating February 2023 earthquake, demonstrating exceptional crisis management capabilities.

Abdul Salam Haykal

Minister of Communications and Information Technology

• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the American University of Beirut.
• Obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
• A Syrian entrepreneur and investor in the technology and internet sectors, residing in the United Arab Emirates since 2012.
• Contributed to the founding of companies in the fields of software, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications.
• Co-founded the National Technology Transfer Company (TransTech), one of the first companies in the Middle East.
• Founded Majarra, a publishing company behind platforms such as Harvard Business Review Arabic, MIT Technology Review Arabic, Popular Science Arabia, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

Amjad Badr

Minister of Agriculture

• Born in 1969.
• Graduated from the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Department of Agricultural Economics, Damascus University, in 1993.
• Obtained Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Aleppo University and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
• Worked at the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, at Sweida Research Center, and contributed to numerous economic and social studies in the agricultural field, as well as several international and regional projects.

Mohammad Abdulrahman Turko

 Minister of Education

• Born in 1979.
• Graduated from the Faculty of Law at Damascus University in 2001.
• Holds a Ph.D. from Leipzig University in Germany.
• Authored several works in the fields of child rights, citizenship, child protection, and educational curricula.
• Fluent in Kurdish and German, and proficient in English.
• Taught at the faculties of Education and Arts, the Syrian Virtual University, Open Learning at Damascus University, al-Sham University, and the Faculty of Law at the Arab International University (AIU).
• He has participated in several committees and conferences, including two workshops in Germany (Climate Change and E-Learning) in 2019.

Mustafa Abdulrazzaq

 Minister of Public Works and Housing

• Born in 1989.
• Earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Aleppo University in 2011.
• Holds a specialized diploma in Public Administration, Project Management, and Institutional Development.
• Served as Director General of the General Directorate of Public Works and Roads in the Syrian Salvation Government (2024–2025).
• Worked in the Engineering Projects Department at Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing (2017–2019).
• Supervised the implementation of dozens of projects in northwestern Syria.
• Held the position of Head of the Studies and Engineering Supervision Department.
• Served as Director General of Project Management in northwestern Syria.

Mohammad Yasin Saleh

 Minister of Culture

• Born in 1985.
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from London Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
• Earned a Master’s degree in Translation from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom.
• Worked in journalism and media at Al Jazeera channel in Qatar.
• Achieved first place in the “Faseeh Al-Arab” competition in Qatar in 2016.

Mohammad Sameh Hamoud

Minister of Sports and Youth

• Born in 1976.
• Holds third- and second-degree arbitration certificates.
• Holds a membership certificate for basketball coaching.
• Served as Chairman of the General Sports Federation in 2024.
• Successfully led the national basketball team to qualify for the second window of the Asian Cup in Qatar.
• Held the position of Director of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth in the Syrian Salvation Government (2021–2024).
• Played a key role in planning and supervising the rehabilitation of the municipal stadium in Idlib and established sports federations for group and individual games, strength, and athletics.
• Served as Chairman of the Elite Club (2018–2021).
• Managed Kafr Takharim Club (2008–2011).
• Executive director and owner of al-Hamoud Commercial Company.

Mazen al-Salihani

Minister of Tourism

• Born in 1979.
• Holds a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from the Great Lakes College of Science and Technology in Ontario, Canada.
• Earned a Master of Science in Project Management from Westcliff University, California, USA.
• Chairman and founder of a group of companies operating in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Algeria, and Syria.
• Major projects include Salwa Resort, Qatar Mall, Bentley Luxury Hotel, Giwan Island, Anantara Resort, Hilton Hotel, Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, The Ned Hotel, Al Najada Hotel, The View Hospital, Al-Rayyan Hotel, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Qatar Metro.
• International projects include Waldorf Astoria in the Maldives, Qiddiya Water City in Saudi Arabia, and Palm Village Complex and Hotel in Syria.

Mohammad Hassan Skaf

 Minister of Administrative Development

• Born in 1990.
• Holds a professional Master’s degree in Administration from Idlib University with distinction.
• Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Idlib University.
• During his previous work in the Syrian Salvation Government, he served as:

      – Member of the Administrative Follow-up Committee in the Public Administration.

      – Head of the Public Financial Budgets Committee.

    – Director of Fixed Assets Management.

    – General Director of the General Administration for Human Resources.

   – Head of the Organizational Structures Committee.

Ya’rub Suleiman Badr

 Minister of Transport

• Born in 1959.
• Holds a – Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, University of Lattakia, (1982).
• Earned a Ph.D. in Transportation Sciences from the National School of Bridges and Roads (ENPC), Paris, in 1991.
• Visiting researcher at the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research (INRETS) (1991–1992).
• Served as a professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Lattakia University (1993–2006).
• Chaired the Administrative Committee of the General Company for Internal Transport in Lattakia.
• Member of the Board of Directors of the of the General Establishment of Road Transport and the Advisory Council of the Ministry of Transport.
• Served as Minister of Transport in Syria (2006–2011).
• Regional Advisor for Transport and Logistics at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) (2014–2024).
• University professor at the Arab International University (AIU) and Saint Joseph University in Beirut (2011–present).

Hamza al-Mustafa

 Minister of Information

• Born in 1985.
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Damascus University (2007).
• Pursued a Master’s degree in International Relations at Damascus University but was dismissed in 2012 due to his supportive stance toward the Syrian revolution.
• Earned a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations with a focus on Comparative Politics from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (2017).
• Holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.
• Worked as a researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, specializing in Syrian studies, and served as secretary for the journal Arab Policies (2011–2018).
• Served as an editorial supervisor at Al-Araby TV Network in London (2019–2020).
• Held the position of General Director of Syria TV Network from mid-2020 until March 2025.

Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANA- President Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Saturday that at a decisive moment in the history of our nation, which requires us to stand together and be united, I stand before you today, addressing each and every one of you, carrying the hopes of every one of you as we witness the birth of a new era.

“We are witnessing the birth of a new phase in our national process, and the formation of a new government today is a declaration of our common will to build a new State,” President al-Sharaa said in a speech at the Ceremony of announcing the formation of the new Syrian government.

The President added that the new government will seek to open new horizons in education and healthcare, and we will not allow corruption to infiltrate our institutions.

“Our plan for the future will rely on a number of axes, including preserving and developing human resources, and seeking to attract Syrian human resources from abroad,” the President said.

President al-Sharaa went on to say that the new Government will reform the energy sector to maintain sustainability and provide 24-hour electricity, and we will work to support farmers to ensure production and maintain food security.

“We will seek to rehabilitate industry, protect national products, and create an encouraging environment to investment in all sectors, we will also strive to reform the monetary situation, strengthen the Syrian currency, and prevent manipulation,” the President stated.

He added “We have established a ministry dedicated to sports and youth, believing in the important role of the youth.”

President Al-Sharaa stressed that during this critical period, efforts will be redoubled to confront any event that may face our people, therefore, we have established the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management to address any challenges or disasters that may confront the nation, we will work to build a rapid and effective response system to any emergency, whether natural or humanitarian, to ensure the protection of citizens and the provision of immediate relief.

“We will pay great attention to keeping pace with technological developments, artificial intelligence programs, and digital transformation, we will begin by building the necessary infrastructure for this, including training personnel, attracting expertise, research centers, and a market that encourages this goal,” President al-Sharaa said.

The President stressed that this government is a government of change and construction, a government that bears the people’s aspirations and hopes for a bright and sustainable future., we are certain that hard work, dedication, and cooperation among all citizens will be the key to achieving these goals.

For his part, Foreign Minister in the new government Asaad al-Shibani said that on this historic day, we witness the announcement of the first government with free will.

Defense Minister in the new government Murhaf Abu Qasra said “We will restore Syria’s rightful army, after the former deposed regime defamed its reputation.”

Names of the Syrian new ministers: 

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Mr. Asaad al-Shaibani.

Defense Minister: General Murhaf Abu Qasra.

Interior Minister: Mr. Anas Khatab.

Justice Minister: Mr. Mazhar al-Wais.

Endowments Minister: Mr. Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri.

Minister of Higher Education: Mr. Marwan al-Halabi.

Minister of Work and Social Affairs: Mrs. Hind Qabawat.

Energy Minister: Mr. Mohammad al-Bashir

Finance Minister: Mohammad Yusir Barneiah

Minister of Economy: Mr. Nidal al-Shaar.

Health Minister: Mr. Musaab Nazal al-Ali.

Minister of Local Administration and Environment: Mohammad Anjarani

Minister of Emergency and Disasters: Mr. Raed al-Saleh

Minister of Communications and Information Technology: Mr. Abd El-Salam Haykal

Minister of Agriculture: Mr. Amjad Badr

Minister of Education, Mr. Mohammad Abd al-Rahman Tarko

Minister of Public Works and Housing: Mustafa Abd al-Razak

Minister of Culture: Mr. Mohammad Saleh

Minister of Sports and Youth: Mr. Mohammad Samih Hamid

Tourism Minister: Mazen al-Salhani

Minister of Administrative Development: Mr. Mohammad Skaf

Transport Minister: Mr. Yaarub Badr

Minister of Information: Hamza Mustafa

More… 

#Breaking: SANA reporter at the People’s Palace: the formation of new Syrian government will be announced soon

Damascus-SANA- Damascus’ First Sharia Judge, Ahmad Muhammad Hamadeh, announced that tomorrow, Sunday, is the last day of Ramadan, and Monday is the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

Hamadeh held a session today to sight the crescent moon of Shawwal 1446 AH, with the participation of the Syrian Astronomical Association. And as Shawwal Moon was not sighted in Syria, the judge stated that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday.

Eid prayers will be held early Monday morning, at 07:00 am, across the country.

Damascus, SANA- President Ahmad Al-Sharaa received Saturday a cable of congratulation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

“Dear President, dear brother, I congratulate Your Excellency on the blessed Eid al-Fitr with my sincerest feelings. On the occasion of the blessed Eid, which I hope will bring peace and safety to the Islamic world and humanity as a whole, I pray to God Almighty to boost our solidarity and unity.”, President Erdogan said in his cable

President Erdogan expressed his wishes, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Turkish people, for health and happiness to President al-Sharaa, and prosperity and progress to the friendly and brotherly Syrian people.

Noura / Mazen

Tartous, SANA – The judicial police of the Telecom Regulatory Authority, affiliated with the Ministry of Telecommunications, sized on Saturday two drones in Tartous city as part of a campaign it is conducting in this regard.

The two drones were sized from a store, adding that this campaign comes within the framework of the ongoing and accurate monitoring of violations, Director of the Police, Engineer Abdul Rahman Zidane, told SANA.

Zidane stressed that this measure aims to prevent interference with local networks and avoid potential damage to user data in terms of security, calling for adherence to the terms of its license and within its specified objectives.
Zidane explained that the implementation of these campaigns comes in accordance with the provisions of Telecommunications Law No. 18 of 2010 and its amendments, which prohibit the possession of drones and expose violators to legal liability.

Noura

Damascus, SANA- President Ahmad al-Sharaa received a cable of congratulation from Secretary General of the Arab League, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

Mr. Aboul Gheit expressed his sincerest congratulations to President al-Sharaa on that occasion, praying to God Almighty to return this blessed occasion to him with good health, happiness and a long life, and prosperity to the people of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Mazen Eyon

SANA-President Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Friday a cable of congratulation from crown Prince of Bahrain kingdom, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Crown Prince Salman expressed his best congratulations and wishes to President Sharaa on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, praying to God Almighty to return this blessed occasion to him with good health, happiness and a long life, and prosperity to the people of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Mazen Eyon

Damascus, SANA- President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued two decrees on Friday, the first one is No. (7) of 2025 appointing Sheikh Osama Al-Rifae as Grand Mufti of the Republic, while the second decree, No. 8, forms the Supreme Fatwa Council which comprises 15 scholars and Imams.

“Bilad al-Sham has always been a scientific, cultural, and religious platform, from which goodness started to the entire nation, then Syria fell into the hands of a corrupt gang, and evil emerged, calamity spread, and efforts were made to demolish Syria, pillar by pillar,” the President said in his speech during a conference about the formation of the Supreme Fatwa Council and the appointment of the Grand Mufti of the Republic.

“so, it was a necessity to restore to Syria what the ousted regime had destroyed in the entire area, the most important of which was the restoration of the position of Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, this position is now held by one of the finest scholars of the Levant, the virtuous Sheikh Osama bin Abdul Karim Al-Rifai, may God protect him,” the President said.

He added that The Fatwa Council also seeks to regulate moderate religious discourse that combines authenticity and modernity, while preserving identity, resolving disputes that may lead to partition, and closing the door in front of evil and discord.”

Mazen Eyon

President Ahmad al-Sharaa received a congratulatory cable from the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

“We extend our warmest fraternal congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. May God Almighty return it to you with health, happiness, and success, and to your brotherly people and all peoples with blessings and prosperity.” President Abbas said in his message.

Damascus/SANA- President Ahmad al-Sharaa met today with Shiite dignitaries and notables.

Damascus-SANA-The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has established a new department within the ministry’s structure called the “General Secretariat for Political Affairs.”

The ministry clarified that the General Secretariat will oversee management of political activities and events within Syria, and organizing them in accordance with the governing laws and regulations.

According to the ministry, the Secretariat will work to re-employ the assets of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, the parties of the National Progressive Front, and their affiliated dissolved organizations and committees to serve political and national tasks and responsibilities.

The General Secretariat for Political Affairs has an independent budget within the general budget of the Ministry and is subject to the supervision of the competent oversight authorities.

Damascus-SANA- In an unprecedented political move, France hosted a Zoom summit bringing together President Ahmad al-Shara’a, French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Syrian Presidency explained on its Telegram channel that the summit witnessed important discussions on a range of regional and international issues affecting security and stability in the Middle East. It addressed many sensitive topics affecting relations between the five countries, most notably:

Border Security and Common Threats

The summit began with extensive discussions on border security among the participating countries, focusing on the common threats threatening the region, particularly from armed militias and border conflicts affecting all parties. The importance of strengthening security cooperation between the countries involved to ensure the security of their shared borders was emphasized.
President al- Sharaa stressed that Syria faces major security challenges on its southern border, noting that the Israeli presence on Syrian territory represents a continuing threat to regional peace and security.

For his part, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted the importance of intensifying security coordination between Syria and Lebanon to confront common threats, while Greece and Cyprus underlined the need to support Syrian efforts to combat terrorism on the border.

Lifting Embargoes

The issue of lifting economic sanctions on Syria was a dominant topic of the summit. President al -Sharaa called for the lifting of embargos imposed by Western countries on Syria, noting the devastating impact of such sanctions on the Syrian economy and the well-being of the people.

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that lifting sanctions is an urgent need to achieve further political progress within Syria. He also voiced his willingness to discuss mechanisms to ease some economic restrictions within the framework of supporting stability in the region.

The Lebanese President, in turn, emphasized the importance of such move in order to enhance stability in Lebanon and the region as a whole and enable the return of refugees. Cyprus and Greece stated that lifting sanctions is a necessary step to support regional economic cooperation.

Common Interests and Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The discussions also included aspects related to the common interests of the participating countries. The leaders agreed to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy and transportation.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among Mediterranean countries, particularly in combating illegal immigration. He indicated that Greece is ready to contribute to energy projects in Syria and the Middle East.

For its part, Cyprus stressed the need to activate joint cooperation in this field, enable accountability, transitional justice, and the law of the sea, support an ambitious program for Syria, and respect its sovereignty.

Supporting the Syrian Administration in Reforms

The participants unanimously supported the Syrian administration’s serious efforts to implement political and economic reforms.

President al-Sharaa noted that Syria has begun real steps toward reforms at the political, economic, and social levels and is working to build a stable and strong state despite the challenges it faces.

For their part, the countries participating in the summit supported the Syrian government’s efforts to implement reforms and stressed the need for practical steps in the areas of human rights and political progress.
The Lebanese President expressed his full support for Syria’s efforts in reconstruction and political reform, noting that Lebanon is also suffering from the effects of the war and believes that cooperation with Syria is the only way to overcome regional challenges.

Israeli Violations and a Common stance:

Israeli violations in southern Syria were also noted, with the leaders at the summit stressing the need to condemn the ongoing Israeli attacks on Syrian territory.

President al-Sharaa underlined that Syria’s position is steadfast in rejecting these Israeli attacks. He affirmed that Syria will continue to defend its inalienable rights, and that Arab and international support is no longer an option but a necessity.

Counter-Terrorism and Regional Cooperation

The leaders agreed that regional cooperation in the field of combating terrorism is of utmost importance, emphasizing the need to enhance intelligence coordination among participating countries to combat terrorist organizations.
They also underlined that military and logistical support must continue to assist countries affected by terrorism, while stressing the need to work to rehabilitate affected areas and achieve stability in Syria and on its borders.

Summit Conclusion

At the conclusion of the summit, an agreement was reached to establish a serious and stable relationship in the new Syria, mobilize international support, and leverage the outcomes of the Brussels Conference to support reconstruction efforts, as well as all that could contribute to restoring regional stability and supporting Syrian efforts to confront internal and external challenges.

Damascus-SANA-President Ahmad al-Sharaa received a congratulatory message from President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

In his message, President Aliyev extended his sincere congratulations and blessings to President al-Sharaa and the Syrian people on the occasion, wishing President al-Shara good health and success in his work, and  the Syrian people peace, security, stability, prosperity.

Ankara, SANA-Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin today the importance of Turkey and Russia working together to achieve lasting peace and stability in Syria based on its territorial integrity.

The Turkish presidency stated in a post on the X platform that Erdogan stressed during a phone call with Putin “the need to leave Syria’s resources to the Syrian administration,”.

President Erdogan said that Turkey supports the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into Syrian State institutions.

He noted that the two countries can cooperate to fully lift sanctions on Syria and confront efforts aimed at undermining its unity and inciting strife within it.

MHD Ibrahim

Damascus, SANA-President Ahmad Al-Sharaa received a congratulatory cable from King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

In his cable, the King said: “I take advantage of the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to extend to His Excellency, my dear brother, President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, on my behalf and on behalf of the people and government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, my most sincere congratulations and best wishes, praying to God Almighty to accept your prayers and to bring this occasion back to you and your esteemed family with good health and happiness, to the brotherly Syrian people with further progress and prosperity, and to the Arab and Islamic nations with the fulfillment of their aspirations for glory, honor, and prosperity.”.

MHD Ibrahim

Damascus, SANA- President Ahmed al-Shaara received a congratulatory cable from President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

In his cable, President El-Sisi expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to President al-Sharaa on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. He said, “I wish you a happy and blessed Eid, during which you enjoy good health, and I wish our two brotherly peoples, and all the peoples of our Arab and Islamic nations, further progress, prosperity, and stability.”

President El-Sisi prayed to God Almighty to accept our fasting, our prayers, and our good deeds, and to bless our efforts toward a more secure and peaceful future for our peoples and countries.

Nisreen Othman / Noura