SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Taipei-SANA

At least 14 people were killed and 18 injured in Taiwan when a decades-old lake barrier burst in the eastern Hualien County after Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded the island, according to regional officials.

Fierce winds, pounding rain and high seas battered Hong Kong as Ragasa headed into southern China.

Hong Kong experienced widespread damage on Wednesday, including fallen trees and flooding in many neighborhoods, according to footage circulated online.

Ragasa has brought “significant storm surge”, with waters at coastal areas rising more than 3 meters above the reference level, the observatory added.

Syria’s Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa hailed President Ahmad al-Sharaa visit to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly as a “historic milestone” marking Syria’s return to its natural position after years of isolation under the previous regime.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath, al-Mustafa said that President al-Sharaa speech will carry multiple messages: foremost, that Syria has regained its natural role after an exceptional period, and secondly, that the international community now recognizes the leading regional role of the “new Syria.”

The minister noted that the speech will focus on two core pillars of Syrian policy-stability and economic development-both domestically and internationally. It will highlight Syria’s renewed role in fostering relations with its Arab and regional neighbors and establishing normal relations with countries worldwide.

The speech will provide an “accurate account of recent years, emphasizing that while international approaches failed to find a political solution, the Syrian people successfully defended and liberated their country” information minister added.

He clarified that the Syrian government aims to “garner international support for domestic stability” and address sanctions imposed due to the previous regime’s policies, which no longer have justification.

“Syria does not present itself as a country seeking aid or loans, but simply seeks to return to its normal position outside the exceptional situation,” al-Mustafa said, noting that lifting sanctions is essential for successful reconstruction and economic development.

The president’s New York agenda includes diplomatic and media meetings to promote Syria’s international openness, including participation in the “Concordia” summit and a dialogue with retired U.S. General David Petraeus—a notable encounter bringing together former adversaries at the same table.

al-Mustafa stressed that the “new Syria” is no longer defined by destruction and crises. Over the past nine months, President al-Sharaa policies have aimed to present a reformist and developmental path.

Syria’s Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections spokesman, Nawar Najmeh, announced that the final names of the members of the electoral bodies will be issued within 24 hours, after which the appeals period will be open for one day.

Najmeh told SANA those nominations for the People’s Assembly will open among the electoral bodies on Friday and Saturday, marking the start of the candidates’ election campaigns. A code of conduct for the People’s Assembly elections will also be issued.

Najmeh pointed out that appeals against the preliminary lists of members of electoral bodies were accepted, including those proven to have supported the former regime or violated the terms and criteria issued by the interim electoral system for electoral body membership.

Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections has set October 5 the voting date for parliamentary elections in Syria.

Damascus-SANA

Governor of Sweida, Mustafa al-Bakour highlighted the tripartite agreement achieved lately as a “positive step” that needs to be applied to serve the interests of the governorate and restore security and stability there.

“We call on all parties to adhere to this agreement as a savior plan for Sweida, and we look forward to greater stability in the coming period”, he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Regarding what is known as the “Legal Committee” or any other local committees, al-Bakour noted that dealing with them is “not possible because they aren’t official”, insisting that the governate doesn’t assign or recognize any committee except through official letters and permits issued by the competent authorities.

He stressed readiness to secure roads and send patrols for university students who wish to continue their exams outside the governorate.

Tuhama /Abdul

Damascus – SANA

The number of factories that have resumed production in Syria since the start of 2025, exceeded 1,500, an official at the Ministry of Economy and Industry said on Wednesday.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Yaseen Hourieh, told SANA that the ministry receives daily requests from industrialists abroad to return as confidence in Syria’s industrial environment is restored.

Hourieh highlighted the significant facilitation measures introduced by the ministry, stating that the approval procedures have become simpler and faster.

Several industries previously monopolized by the state have been liberalized, the import of raw materials has been eased, and exports are now supported within an open and competitive market environment, he added.

He also mentioned substantial progress in discussions with neighboring countries to reactivate trade exchange.

The ministry says it continues to implement its strategic vision to revitalize the national industrial sector by developing the legislative framework to ensure sustainable growth and enhance the competitiveness of Syrian products regionally and internationally, while maintaining a balance between economic openness and protection of local production.

New York-SANA  

Charles Lister, director of the Syria Program at the Middle East Institute, hailed his public discussion with President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Middle East institute as a “historic event.”

In a post on X, Lister said: “The Middle East institute convened a high-level gathering of 250+ diplomats, journalists & business leaders for a historic event with Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa and we had a fascinating discussion on domestic issues, foreign policy and more”.

President al-Sharaa took part in a public discussion with Lister at the Middle East institute on Tuesday evening on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region’s arts and culture.

Tuhama / Abdul

UN Security Council members on Tuesday called for a Two-State solution for the Palestinian issue and an immediate halt to the war on Gaza.

During a session held by the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue, member states stressed the need to adhere to the two-state solution, which would contribute to achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech during the session that “a just and lasting peace in Gaza will never be built through more violence,” according to the Palestinian WAFA news agency.

The UN Chief called for a “collective commitment to diplomacy, to international law, to the dignity of all people,” warning that a “two-state solution is fading” as a result of Israel’s continued settlement expansion, de facto annexation plans, and forced displacement.

For her part, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed that her country’s historic recognition of the State of Palestine is part of its commitment to peace. She stressed the need to end the war and rebuild Gaza.

The French representative called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid, affirming his country’s readiness to participate in an international mission to stabilize the region.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf also stressed that the war on Gaza “can no longer be denied,” saying that the Israeli “expansion of its aggression in the region” clarifies that there is no alternative to the two-state solution and granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun affirmed his country’s commitment to recognizing the State of Palestine, which would contribute to achieving a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar praised the recent recognitions of Palestine, considering the suffering of the Palestinian people a “stain on the global conscience” and calling for decisive action to protect human dignity.

Also, Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, confirmed that Palestinians “deserve life, freedom, and dignity,” asserting that the “atrocities” committed by Israel in Gaza cannot be justified.

He called for an “end to the occupation, settlements, and annexation,” and for the “salvation of Gaza, Palestine, and peace.”

A delegation of Syrian Naval Forces, headed by Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Saud, visited Turkish Naval Forces Command Headquarters in Ankara and met with Lieutenant General Dr. Ergument Tatlıoglu. 

 During the meeting, they discussed common issues and ways to enhance coordination and cooperation in the field of naval defense.

Damascus – SANA

Syrian and Ukrainian officials discussed Wednesday strengthening economic and trade relations and ways to facilitate grain and oil imports to Syria.

Head of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports Qutaiba Badawi, met with Ukrainian Odessa Port Director, Maksym Garber to discuss the facilitation of grain and oil shipments from Ukraine to Syria, as well as investment opportunities in the free zones near Syrian ports.

The officials also addressed enhancing cooperation in the export of Syrian products to Ukraine, particularly phosphate, in a bid to broaden the scope of economic and trade ties between the two countries.

Madrid-SANA

The Spanish government has imposed a “comprehensive embargo” on arms export to Israel as part of measures taken to stop the war on Gaza which has entered its 3rd year.

Spanish Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo explained in a tweet on X that the decision “prohibits the exports of all military equipment” including products and technologies with potential military use. It also calls for halting the transfer of jet fuel that could be used for military purposes.

Cuerpo insisted that this decision “marks a significant step” globally in imposing a comprehensive embargo on exporting arms to Israel.

On 8th of September, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a chain of measures to put an end to the “collective genocide” in Gaza, including imposing a ban on arms sales to Israel and preventing ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from using the country’s ports.

The move came as more states are criticizing Israeli continued war on Gaza and amid moves to recognize the state of Palestine within the vision of Tow-State solution. United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Portugal recognized Palestinian State on the sidelines of UN 80th General Assembly.

Tuhama / Abdul

The President of European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said that had a “Good exchange” with Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa on the challenges that Syria faces during its transition.

“The European Union continues to promote a genuine, inclusive, peaceful and Syrian-led transition, free from harmful foreign interference.” von der Leyen said in a post on X.

She added “We are committed to increasing our political dialogue, meeting immediate humanitarian needs and supporting the socio-economic recovery and reconstruction of Syria.”

President Ahmad al-Sharaa took part in a public discussion with Charles Lister, director of the Syria Program at the Middle East Institute, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday Eastern Time.

The session, hosted by the Washington-based think tank, focused on Syria’s future and regional stability.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and several senior officials and ministers attended at the event.

Amer Dhawa

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Tuesday (Eastern Time) with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations ambassador Ibrahim Olabi

The meeting focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, according to a written statement by the Syrian presidency sent to SANA.

Amer Dhawa

The Saudi Embassy in Damascus marked the kingdom’s 95th National Day with a reception Tuesday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Saudi Ambassador Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel reaffirmed Riyadh’s solidarity with Syria’s leadership and people, voicing support for their aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity.

He highlighted the “deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties” between the two countries and stressed the kingdom’s commitment to advancing cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

The event drew several Syrian ministers, senior officials, ambassadors, and heads of diplomatic missions, along with prominent figures from the economic, religious, media, cultural, and artistic sectors.

Amer Dhawa

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Tuesday (Eastern Time) with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, according to a written statement sent to SANA by the Syrian Presidency.

Amer Dhawa

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met on Tuesday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Italian Mission residence in New York.  

The meeting was held during the President’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani attended the meeting.

Mazen

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met on Tuesday the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al Hamad Al-Sabah, on the sidelines of the President’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, attended the meeting

Mazen

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met on Tuesday with His Majesty, King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on the sidelines of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani attended the meeting.

Mazen

Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, said on Tuesday that Syria is witnessing a new phase that we hope will mark the beginning of achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people.

“The international community must seize the opportunity to stand with Syria,” Emir Tamim said in a speech at the 80th session of UN General Assembly meeting.”

He added that building the state institutions in Syria and establishing relations based on equal citizenship is of utmost importance

Sheikh Tamim added that foreign interference in Syria, especially Israel’s attempts to divide it, must be rejected