SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Dubai, SANA

The Director-General of the Syrian Postal Corporation, Imad al-Din Hamad, signed Friday a memorandum of understanding with the Director-General of Morocco Post Group, Ahmed Amine Touimi, on the sidelines of the 28th Universal Postal Congress held in the UAE, aiming to strengthen the strategic relations between the two parties.

The memorandum stipulates consolidating cooperation in multiple areas, including exchanging technical and technological expertise, organizing joint training programs, and cooperating in the areas of electronic remittances, urgent mail, e-commerce, and postal financial services.

Additionally, the memorandum includes joint work to develop postal services and improve their quality, which will have a positive impact on postal users in the two brotherly countries, as well as enhancing coordination between the two institutions in relevant regional and international forums. In the same context, Hamad also signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday with the Director General of Turkish Post (PTT), Hakan Gulten, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the fields of shipping and e-commerce

Iman/Fedaa

Washington, SANA –

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stressed the importance of achieving stability and economic prosperity in Syria.

This came during her meeting Thursday with Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani, in the presence of the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and a group of senators from both parties.

During the meeting, the leaders gathered stressed the common interest between the United States and Syria in achieving a stable and economically prosperous Syria, and the importance of Syria’s future for achieving regional stability, and pointed out that sanctions hinder urgent and necessary investment in Syria’s economy.

Senator Shaheen, who introduced bipartisan legislation to lift sanctions on Syria, warned of the risk of inaction, saying: “The Syrian economy is in crisis, and its authorities need financial resources to maintain basic governance functions.”

Shaheen added: “If we slow down in moving, we risk pushing the Syrians back into conflict, which is in no one’s interest except Russia and Iran, and we have little chance of putting Syria on a path of stability and prosperity,” stressing that members of the last bipartisan parliamentary delegation that recently visited Syria, in addition to senior U.S. administration officials, agreed that the time has come for the Senate to move to cancel the Caesar Act sanctions imposed on Syria”.

Nisreen / Fedaa

Brussels, SANA

The European Union welcomed the announcement of a roadmap to address the crisis in Sweida province, considering it as a move toward a lasting solution that safeguards Syria’s stability and sovereignty.

“We encourage the rapid implementation of the agreement and the continuation of dialogue between all parties, with the aim of reaching a sustainable solution that protects all Syrians without discrimination and preserves Syria’s security, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Spokesperson Anita Heber said in a statement on the roadmap agreed upon between Syria, Jordan, and the United States regarding Sweida.

Heber added: “The European Union continues to call on the transitional authorities to ensure a comprehensive political transition that meets the aspirations of all Syrians.”

On Wednesday, a tripartite Syrian-Jordanian-American meeting agreed to adopt a roadmap for addressing the situation in Sweida province and enhancing stability in southern Syria.

Nisreen / Fedaa

Damascus, SANA – The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on Thursday the availability of 40 scholarships provided by the Algerian government for the first university stage, allocated to Syrian students who obtained a high school diploma for the 2024 and 2025 sessions, for the 2025/2026 academic period.

According to the ministry’s announcement, the scholarships are distributed as follows: 20 scholarships for the scientific branch, including 10 for studying human medicine, and 20 scholarships for the literary branch in various specializations within Algerian universities.

These scholarships come within the framework of ongoing cultural and educational cooperation between Syria and Algeria, which aims to enhance the exchange of academic experiences and provide quality educational opportunities for Syrian students in Algerian universities, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Iman / Fedaa

Washington- SANA

As part of his official visit to Washington, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, met Thursday US Senator Lindsey Graham.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between Syria and the United States and lift US sanctions imposed on Syria.

Washington, SANA- US Republican Representative Joe Wilson renewed his call for the US Congress to fully repeal the Caesar Act imposed on Syria, following his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Washington.

Wilson said in a post on the X platform: “I was honored to host Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, the first Syrian delegation to visit Congress in 25 years,” noting that the meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

“President Donald Trump’s leadership has provided a historic opportunity for a new chapter that benefits everyone, and Congress must now act and fully repeal the Caesar Act.” He added.

He stressed that the time has come to give Syria a real opportunity to end the sanctions imposed on it.

Mazen

Washington, SANA- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, met on Thursday a number of officials from the U.S. Treasury Department in the presence of US Special Envoy for Syria Thom Barrack.

Talks during the meeting addressed means of reconnecting the Syrian economy to the global financial system in a responsible and secure manner, ensuring enhanced joint efforts to combat terrorist financing.

This comes as part of the Foreign Minister’s historic visit to the United States for extensive discussions.

Mazen

New York-SANA

UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has announced his intention to step down from his position.

“I have informed the Secretary-General of my intention to step down,” Pedersen told the Security Council, according to the Associated Press.

Pederson, aged 69, was appointed as UN Special Envoy for Syria in 2018, succeeding Staffan de Mistura.

He was tasked with implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which aims to find a political solution in Syria.

However, efforts to achieve this solution have repeatedly faltered.

Mazen

Washington-SANA

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, discussed on Thursday bilateral relations and regional and international developments with US Representative for Arizona Abe Hamadeh.

Several senior U.S. diplomats working on Syria have been “abruptly” removed from their posts in recent days, Reuters reported Thursday, citing “five different sources.”

The diplomats were stationed at the Syria Regional Platform (SRP), the de facto U.S. mission to Syria operating from Istanbul, and all reported to U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, a longtime adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, a U.S. diplomatic source said “a handful” of SRP staff were told their tours were ending as part of a reorganization. The source stressed the move would not alter U.S. policy in Syria and “was not the result of disagreements” with Barrack or the White House.

A Western diplomat told Reuters the dismissal of the U.S. diplomats was partly due to “a divergence” in views between the staff and Tom Barrack over the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and President al-Sharaa, but offered no further details.

Reuters reporting said the departures were “sudden” and “involuntary”, taking place late last week. The State Department declined to comment when asked by Reuters on personnel decisions, saying only that “core staff working on issues pertaining to Syria continue to operate from multiple locations.” SANA has reached out to the State Department for a comment.

Since his appointment in May, Barrack has pushed for a policy shift supporting a unified Syrian state. He has urged the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to finalize a March agreement with Damascus that would return the northeast areas to the Syrian state authority and integrate the SDF into national security forces.

Since Washington closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012, the SRP has functioned as the de facto U.S. mission to Syria, headquartered at the U.S. consulate in Istanbul with offices across the region.

Damascus – SANA

The Interior Ministry on Thursday denied social media reports claiming the arrest of Mohammed Qaband, a former People’s Assembly member, confirming instead that he had been kidnapped by a gang impersonating security personnel.

Spokesperson Nour Eddin Al-Baba said some social media outlets had circulated “misleading information” about Qaband’s arrest. He stressed that the Ministry “does not arrest anyone outside the legal framework” and that Qaband “is not detained by any official body” affiliated with the Ministry.

Al-Baba said investigations showed that Qaband was kidnapped by a gang impersonating security personnel to extort money from his family and tarnish the Ministry’s image.

He stressed that security authorities are pursuing the case and working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

New York, SANA- Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, said on Thursday that the roadmap in Sweida establishes the foundations for gradually building trust, promoting national reconciliation, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, restoring basic services and rebuilding affected villages.

“Today, despite the painful wounds and incidents that have broken the hearts of Syrians, Sweida and its honorable people have been and will remain in the hearts of every Syrian,”  Olabi said at UN Security council session on the situation in Syria.

Olabi stressed that Security Council is united on the historic opportunity for a new Syria.

He added that the first item on the roadmap was a call for the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria to conduct an investigation into the recent events, and the Syrian government’s commitment to hold all perpetrators of violations accountable.

He went on to say that Syria condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli attacks and reiterates its call for the Security Council to take immediate action to condemn these attacks, prevent their recurrence, and compel the occupying authorities to withdraw their forces from the territories they have infiltrated over the past months and end their occupation of the Syrian Golan.

“The Syrian government is exerting intensified efforts to improve the economy as dozens of agreements have been signed with friendly countries, as well as memos of understanding with dozens of international companies,” Olabi said.

Mazen

Doha-SANA

Qatari Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, Saeed bin Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, expressed his countries readiness to share its advanced legal experience with Syria, and to cooperate with the Syrian Ministry of Justice to advance legal and judicial work.

Al-Suwaidi told SANA that strengthening of joint cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two countries in the legal and judicial field were discussed during the visit of Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Wais to Doha this week.

He pointed out that the two sides discussed exchanging of expertise and experiences in the areas of state issues, agreements, international cooperation, real estate affairs, and documentation.

Al-Suwaidi explained that Qatar ranks first globally in the ease of real estate registration procedures index, in addition to its possession of a modern legal system and an advanced digital experience that allows most transactions to be completed electronically.

Rana/ Abdul

Damascus-SANA

Syrian Journalists Union and the Syrian Association of Journalist, in cooperation with Arab States Broadcasting Center, held a meeting to explore ways of developing media sector in Syria and establishing a roadmap for promoting press freedom in accordance with international standards and professional ethics.

International Federation of Journalists General Secretary Anthony Bellange told the meeting that new media will has a vital role in the next phase after the fall of the last regime, emphasizing the importance of comprehensively preparing Syrian journalists to deliver accurate and objective information to citizens.

He called for adhering strictly to the ethics of the journalistic profession and the standards of international law.

He also considered that the new Syria requires from all media parties establishing clear foundations for its work to guarantee press independence and promoting its position.

From his part, Vice President of the Syrian Journalists Association, Imad Al-Tawashi asserted the importance of this meeting as a beginning to develop comprehensive media sector.

Baraa Othman, a member of the Syrian Journalists Union’s executive office, emphasized that training on independent media began since liberation, with the goal of building a transparent media system that enables journalists to work freely and responsibly. He noted that free media is the cornerstone of justice and development in Syria.

For his part, Mounir Zaarour, Director of Policies and Programs for the Arab World and the Middle East at the IFJ, noted that the meeting aimed to prepare a comprehensive report, with the participation of specialized experts, that would highlight the urgent issues facing the Syrian media sector. He emphasized that the transitional phase requires clear political will and a specific timeframe for the success of reforms.

Tuhama al-Saidi / Abdul

New York- SANA

Envoys of Syria, Jordan and the United States of America at United Nations, sent a joint letter to both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the Security Council to adopt the “roadmap for resolving the crisis in Sweida and stabilizing southern Syria,” as an official document.

The letter said that “Upon instructions from our Governments, we have the honor to attach here with identical letters dated 17 September 2025 regarding the “Roadmap for Resolving the Crisis in Sweida and Stabilizing Southern Syria”, addressed to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“It would be highly appreciated if the attached identical letters could be circulated as an official document of the Security Council and the 80th session of the General Assembly under its agenda item (34) entitled: “The situation in the Middle East”, the letter added.

On Tuesday, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a statement announcing the adoption of a “roadmap regarding the situation in Sweida and the stability of southern Syria.” In cooperation with Jordan and the United States of America.

Abu Dhabi – SANA

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced that it will operate flights to Damascus starting next June.

According to a statement quoted by the Emirates News Agency, the airline said it “will add Damascus as a new destination in its Middle East network,” noting that this new route “reflects the growing demand from travelers in UAE and GCC countries for direct connections to Damascus.”

The route to Damascus “demonstrates our commitment to connecting people with places that matter to them,” Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves stated.

He added, “We are proud to expand our network to Damascus, one of the world’s most historically and culturally significant cities, and to support the Syrian people by offering direct flights to and from Abu Dhabi, along with convenient connections across our global network.”

Flights to Damascus will commence in June with four weekly services operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight business class seats and 150 economy class seats.

Adnan/Fedaa

Damascus, SANA

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa discussed on Thursday with Idleb Governor Mohammed Abdul Rahman providing distinguished media coverage for the “Loyalty to Idlib” campaign, scheduled to launch on September 26.

The Minister emphasized the provision of all necessary media support to ensure the campaign’s success and achieve the best results, noting that the campaign is not merely a media event, but rather a national message expressing popular and institutional solidarity for a governorate dear to the hearts of all Syrians.

Al-Mustafa stressed that the media is an essential partner in building trust and enhancing communication between the state and society.

Rana/Fedaa

Cairo and Manama -SANA

Egypt and Bahrain welcomed Thursday adopting the roadmap for the situation in Sweida as an important step towards achieving stability and civil peace and restoring Syria’s unity, sovereignty and its territorial integrity.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf said today:” Egypt welcomes the declaration issued at the conclusion of the tripartite meeting which included Syria, Jordan and the United States about the situation in Sweida governorate”.

“It is an important step in the efforts aiming to restore stability in southern Syria, in a frame that restores Syria’s unity, sovereignty and its territorial integrity” he added. 

He said that Egypt welcomes the efforts exserted to reach the roadmap and supports for every serious endeavor aiming to contain regional crises by comprehensive political approaches based on dialogue, respecting national sovereignty and people’s aspirations for safety and development.

Also, the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the announcement of the roadmap “as an important step” that contributes to consolidating civil peace and supporting security and stability in the region.

Bahrain Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X:” The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the announcement by the Syrian Arab Republic of the roadmap which was achieved by Syria, Jordan and the United States to handle the crises in Sweida governorate as an important step contributes to consolidating civil peace and supporting security and stability in the region.”

The ministry expressed Bahrain’s support for Syria sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and its support for regional and international efforts aimed at achieving regional security and peace, and meeting the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for stability and sustainable development under the rule of law and institutions.

On Tuesday, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a statement announcing the adoption of a “roadmap regarding the situation in Sweida and the stability of southern Syria.”

Tuhama al-Saidi / Abdul

Cairo – SANA

Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed Ahmed al-Yamahi welcomed the announcement of a roadmap to resolve the crisis in Sweida province, which preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and upholds the principle of national unity among all Syrians.

In a statement published on the official website of the Arab Parliament, al-Yamahi expressed “Parliament’s full support for all efforts that would achieve stability on Syrian territory, support unity, and enhance the aspirations of the Syrian people for a decent life in security, peace, and prosperity.”

Al-Yamahi stressed the need to build on this significant step to preserve Syrian national fabric and enhance civil peace throughout the country.

Two days ago, a tripartite Syrian-Jordanian-American meeting reached the adoption of a road map regarding resolving the situation in Sweida province and strengthening stability in southern Syria.

Many countries, Arab and foreign, welcomed the adoption of the road map, including France, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Turkey, Libya, Egypt, and Yemen, and the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States also welcomed the decision.

Adnan/Fedaa

Damascus – SANA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates hailed the upcoming visit of the Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani to Washington as “historic” for being the first by a Syrian Foreign Minister in twenty-five years.

The Media Department at the Foreign Ministry told SANA that the visit “marks a pivotal milestone in the course of Syrian–U.S. relations after decades of interruption”.

The Ministry noted that the visit reflects Syria’s openness to direct dialogue with the United States in a bid to “open a new page” in bilateral relations as it will discuss “issues of mutual interest in the political, security, and economic fields” to serve the interests of the Syrian people.

The visit comes as Syria and the United States of America are restoring relations after decades of cut and after months of President Donald Trump decided to lift sanctions on Damascus paving the way for normalizing relations.