SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Syria is working to rebuild relations with countries around the world, highlighting that the lifting of sanctions and support for its return to the international stage benefit all.

“A new chapter in the region’s history began with the birth of a new Syria,” the President said.

In an interview with Al-Sharq TV on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit, President al-Sharaa said, “Syria has historically carried great weight in the region and was never on the margins. But the former regime deprived both Syria of the world and the world of Syria over the past 60 years.” He added that over the past 10 months, “a new history for the region has begun with the birth of a new Syria.”

U.S. Relations: “Action First”

On ties with Washington, President al-Sharaa said his approach is to “start with action first,” noting that the previous regime “did nothing” to advance relations. “Syria’s position is sensitive, and it has begun to reclaim its regional and global role,” he said.
“It is in the interest of many countries to have strategic relations with Syria – and likewise, in Syria’s interest to maintain such ties”, the President said . adding that discussions with the United States “require careful consideration” expressing hope for talks during a planned visit to the White House next Monday.

Regional Ties: Shared Security and Cooperation

On relations with Saudi Arabia and other regional states, President al-Sharaa said, “What happened in Syria serves the interests of Saudi Arabia and the region as a whole.” He noted that Damascus has taken steps to invest in regional security, emphasizing mutual dependence.
“The safety of Syria contributes to the safety of Saudi Arabia, and vice versa,” he said. describing the “deep affection” between peoples in the region, particularly Saudi support for Syria, as a key foundation for cooperation.

Lifting Sanctions: A Rare Consensus

Commenting on the U.N. Security Council resolution lifting sanctions on him and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, President al-Sharaa called it “a positive step” and “the first time in a long while that the Council has unanimously agreed on something – thankfully, it was about Syria.”
The President recognized support from countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and European states such as France, the U.K., Italy, and Spain, noting Britain was among the first to lift sanctions. He also cited contributions from the U.S., Russia, and China.

COP30 Climate Summit: Reintroducing Syria

Regarding COP30, President al-Sharaa said the summit provides Syria “an opportunity to reintroduce itself to the world.” He added, “Syria is defining itself in a new and different way. The summit allows for many side meetings, helping to establish a new phase of multi-dimensional partnerships across the region.”

Jordan on Friday welcomed a U.N. Security Council resolution lifting the names of President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the international sanctions list, calling it a sign of growing international support for Syria’s sovereignty and stability.

In a statement posted on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fouad al-Majali said the resolution “affirms full respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of the Syrian Arab Republic,” adding that it reflects “the will of the international community” to support Syria.

Al-Majali reiterated Jordan’s support for Syria’s reconstruction and recovery efforts, stressing that such initiatives must uphold the country’s unity and sovereignty while ensuring the safety of its territory and people.

The U.N. Security Council late Thursday adopted the U.S.-drafted resolution with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from China.

The U.S. military carried out a strike on a vessel in the Caribbean on Thursday, killing three people suspected of smuggling narcotics, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

“At the direction of President Trump, the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a designated terrorist organization,” Hegseth said in a post on X. “The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean and was struck in international waters.”

The United States has conducted a series of strikes in the Caribbean since early September as part of what Washington describes as a campaign to curb drug trafficking into the country. The latest attack brings the reported death toll from the campaign to at least 70.

Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh said Friday that he discussed strengthening economic and financial cooperation between Syria and Greece with Emmanuel Kakavelakis, chargé d’affaires of the Greek Embassy in Damascus, and representatives of Lloyd’s, the global insurance and reinsurance company.

In a post on his Facebook page, Barnieh said the Greek envoy expressed his country’s interest in boosting economic and financial ties with Syria and is working to arrange a visit by Greek business leaders and companies to Damascus.

According to the minister, representatives of Lloyd’s regional office, based in Athens, also took part in the meeting and voiced interest in entering the Syrian market to provide reinsurance services.

Barnieh added that the participation of such companies would help support investment and trade between Syria and other countries.

Turkey on Friday welcomed a U.N. Security Council resolution lifting President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the international sanctions list, calling it a step toward regional stability and Syria’s reintegration into the global community.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keçeli said in a statement carried by state-run Anadolu Agency that Ankara “welcomes the U.N. Security Council resolution removing the names of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the international sanctions list.”

He added that Turkey would continue to support the full lifting of sanctions on Syria and efforts to help the country return to the international fold while promoting stability and sustainable development.

The U.N. Security Council adopted the U.S.-drafted resolution on Thursday with 14 votes in favor and China abstaining.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Thursday that Turkey is committed to enhancing relations with Syria and other regional countries to promote peace, stability, and development.

In a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Yılmaz said Ankara is determined to deepen its “multidimensional relations” with Syria, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia and to expand cooperation mechanisms supporting regional stability and sustainable growth.

Yılmaz said that he met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, as well as senior officials from Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.

Syria’s participation in COP30 UN Climate Summit marks the first time a Syrian president has attended the Summit since the Conference of the Parties was launched in 1995.

The al-Arida border crossing in Syria’s coastal Tartous province received the third convoy of Syrians returning voluntarily from Lebanon on Thursday, border authorities said.

The convoy comprised about 90 families, roughly 500 people, who had previously been displaced to Lebanon during the country’s conflict. The movement is part of a “voluntary return” program coordinated by Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR), aimed at ensuring a safe and dignified repatriation.

The General Authority for Land and Sea Ports said in a statement on its Telegram channel that all necessary procedures were taken to facilitate the returnees’ entry and provide essential services, including free transportation to their hometowns across several provinces.

Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, told the Third Committee of the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday that since Dec. 8, 2024, more than 1.1 million refugees have returned to Syria from neighboring countries.

Syria and Azerbaijan are seeking to deepen cooperation in social and labor affairs, with a focus on digital transformation and support for people with disabilities.

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat met with Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Hidayat Abdullayev, on the sidelines of the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, to discuss expanding collaboration and sharing best practices between the two countries.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the talks focused on exchanging successful experiences in social welfare programs and improving service delivery through technology.

Kabawat led Syria’s delegation to the summit, held in Doha from November 4–6. The event brought together more than 8,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, UN officials, civil society representatives, academics, private sector leaders, and youth advocates.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed a new United Nations Security Council resolution on Friday, describing it as a sign of renewed international unity in support of the country’s stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

In a statement, the ministry called the resolution-the first adopted by the Council since the fall of the former regime – a recognition of the Syrian government’s “positive and active role” in strengthening regional security and creating conditions for reconstruction and sustainable development.
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The ministry also highlighted the decision to remove the names of President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from international sanctions lists, saying the move reflected “growing confidence” in Syria’s leadership.

According to the statement, lifting the sanctions represents both a legal and political reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, maintaining civil peace, promoting international stability, and combating drug trafficking and terrorism.

The ministry said the consensus among Security Council members to pass a Syria-related resolution for the first time in years underscored global support for Damascus’ efforts to usher in a new phase of security, stability, and prosperity.

The statement concluded by thanking Security Council members for their unified stance and reiterated Syria’s readiness to work with the international community to achieve peace, reconstruction, and long-term development.

Anti-Narcotics units in Lattakia have arrested a man found in possession of more than 140,000 Captagon pills, the Interior Ministry said Friday.

In a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the ministry said the Anti-Narcotics Department, working with the Internal Security Command, seized about 140,000 Captagon tablets and 30,000 controlled prescription pills that were intended for illegal sale and distribution.

The suspect has been taken into custody, and the seized drugs have been confiscated pending judicial action, the ministry added.

The Syrian Society for Medical Education Conference 2025 opened Friday at the National University Hospital in Damascus, bringing together leading doctors and researchers from Syria and abroad under the theme “Toward New Beginnings in Syrian Medical Education.”

According to a statement from the Syrian Society for Medical Education, the two-day conference aims to reform health professions education in Syria by addressing current challenges and opportunities, with the goal of developing a system capable of meeting the nation’s growing medical workforce needs.

The UN Security Council late Thursday adopted a resolution removing the name of President Ahmad al-Sharaa from the international sanctions list. The draft, submitted by the United States, passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from China. The measure also lifts sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Following the vote, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, said that Syria welcomes the decision as evidence of “growing international confidence in the new Syria, its people, and its sincere and constructive approach” in engaging with the Security Council and the international community.

“The draft resolution is consistent with the historic and courageous decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to support Syria in seizing this opportunity,” Olabi said.

He thanked Council members for their “positive engagement” and for their unified support of Syria and its people. Olabi emphasized that the decision carries “added importance” as it reaffirms the Council’s strong commitment to “respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity.”

He added that Syria’s national strategy is based on “closing the chapter of war and suffering,” overcoming the “catastrophic effects of decades of oppression and tyranny,” and “building a modern state founded on the rule of law.”

He further stated that the new Syria aims in its foreign policy to be a “state of peace and partnership-not a battleground for conflicts or rivalries,” and a “bridge for development and prosperity-not a source of threat or instability.”

Arab Group: A Turning Point in Strengthening Syria’s National Institutions

On behalf of the Arab Group, Majda Moutchou, Deputy Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2799, describing it as “a major turning point toward strengthening the national institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic and establishing a new phase based on the rule of law.”

“This positive momentum provides an opportunity to reaffirm that the Arab Group stands with Syria and its people on their path toward progress and prosperity,” she said.

Moutchou reiterated the Arab Group’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and rejected “any external interference” in Syria’s internal affairs. She also called for the “lifting of all economic restrictions imposed on Syria,” which she said deepen suffering and hinder reconstruction and development.

Algeria: Reflects Commitment to Syria’s Security and Stability

Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amar Bendjama, stated that voting for the resolution demonstrates the international community’s commitment to Syria’s security and stability and its support for rebuilding national institutions.

He reaffirmed Algeria’s backing of a “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process” in line with Resolution 2254, describing it as “the only path toward building an inclusive, new Syria.” He reiterated Algeria’s readiness to contribute to any international efforts that promote stability and development.

United States: Syria’s Government Is Working to Fulfill Its Commitments

U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Mike Waltz, said that adopting the resolution sends a “strong political signal” that Syria has begun a new chapter in its history since the fall of the Assad regime.

He noted that the “new Syrian government” is working diligently to meet its commitments to “combat terrorism and narcotics,” eliminate remaining “chemical weapons,” enhance “security and regional stability,” and lead an “inclusive, Syrian-owned political process.”

The resolution, he added, “gives the Syrian people a great opportunity to rise again.”

United Kingdom: A Defining Moment in Syria’s History

Britain’s Permanent Representative to the UN, James Kariuki, called the resolution as “a defining moment one year after the fall of the former regime.”

He welcomed the progress made by the Syrian government in the political transition process and in “counterterrorism efforts,” affirming that the UK will continue to support Syria’s pursuit of stability and prosperity.

France: A Step Toward Supporting Economic Recovery

France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, welcomed the adoption of the resolution, calling it “a key step toward supporting Syria’s economic recovery and enabling it to meet the needs of its people.”

He added that it “opens a new chapter of hope for rebuilding a sovereign, unified Syria free of terrorism and drugs.”

Russia: Resolution Meets the Aspirations of the Syrian People

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said his country voted in favor of the resolution because it “reflects the interests and aspirations of the Syrian people.”

He expressed hope that the measure will “strengthen economic recovery and development during the current transitional phase,” and reaffirmed Russia’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad al-Sharaa, said on Thursday that Syria has faced complex environmental challenges in recent years, whose effects have accumulated on both people and resources.

“Amazon rainforests stand as a symbol of life on our planet and a living testament to the profound connection between humanity and nature,” President al-Sharaa said in a speech at the summit of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in the city of Belém, Brazil.

“From this perspective, we renew our shared commitment to protecting our environment and climate for a safe and sustainable future for our peoples,” the President added.

He affirmed that the large-scale displacement movements during the years of war have placed additional pressure on resources.

“Our ambitious vision is reflected in our reconstruction and recovery plans, which we have begun implementing and translating into practical policies, programs and projects,” the President added.

President al-Sharaa stressed that the Syrian Arab Republic, which once was an oasis praised by poets, has faced complex environmental challenges during the last years whose effects have accumulated on both people and resources.

“Rebuilding the Earth is a duty upon humanity—but it must not come at the expense of nature. Today, the effects of climate change have reached their peak, as Syria experienced this year a drought unlike any it has seen in over six decades,” the President said.

He added that major challenges bring with them valuable opportunities. “That is why we invite you to invest in Syria—in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable green cities, and pioneering investment projects that are protected, supported and guaranteed by the state.”

“Today, we reaffirm our full commitment to international agreements, foremost among them the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, for which we are gathered here today,   we will immediately begin submitting our national communications and nationally determined contributions in line with global standards,” President al-Sharaa said.

He added “in the context of our presence today in the vibrant heart of the Amazon, we call for extending the bonds of cooperation from the Amazon to the Barada and Euphrates rivers, within a framework of strong inter-state collaboration and in support of the growing role of developing nations—led today with distinction by Brazil.”

“We have come to you today realizing the magnitude of the challenge that Syria is experiencing, but we believe that no matter how great the challenges are, the will of the people is capable of overcoming them when they unite around a noble goal, an ambitious vision, and a clear plan, which is what we are offering for reconstruction in a way that redefines the relationship between man and urban development and establishes a sustainable environmental system,” the President said.

“In conclusion, our Creator says in the Quran- And We made from water every living thing- and Our noble Prophet forbade us from cutting down trees, even in war, and he said : Do not be wasteful, even if you are by a flowing river.”

Al-Hussein/ Mazen Eyon

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met on Thursday with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council’s Vice President Tariq Saleh, on the sidelines of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani attended the meeting.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned on Thursday that “the window for effective action to confront the impacts of global warming is about to close,” calling for an urgent roadmap to halt deforestation, phase out fossil fuels, and mobilize the necessary financial resources to achieve these objectives.

His remarks came during a preparatory session ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30), hosted in Belém, Brazil, with the participation of around 50 heads of state and government, including Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

In the same session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the failure to limit global temperature rise as “deadly negligence,” warning that any temporary overshoot of climate targets could lead to widespread destruction, irreversible ecosystem collapse, and conditions unfit for human life for billions of people, aggravating threats to global peace and security.

Guterres said fossil fuel companies “continue to obstruct climate stabilization efforts by misleading the public and hindering progress,” stressing that the 1.5°C warming threshold remains “a red line for a livable planet” and calling for a “radical transformation in global climate policies.”

President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit taking place in Belém, northern Brazil.

The meeting was attended by Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the President of World Bank Group Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit taking place in Belém, northern Brazil.

The meeting was attended by Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa met on Thursday with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit taking place in Belém, northern Brazil.

The meeting was attended by Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

An official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed on Thursday that reports published by Reuters about U.S. bases in Syria are “untrue.”  

“The current stage marks a transformation in the U.S. position towards direct engagement with the Syrian central government in Damascus, and towards supporting the country’s unity while rejecting any calls for partition,” the source added.

The source said that efforts are underway to transfer the partnerships and understandings that were previously urgent with “temporary entities” to Damascus, within the framework of joint political, military, and economic coordination.

It further noted that “Syria, in its new era, is steadily advancing toward consolidating stability and strengthening cooperation based on national sovereignty and mutual respect.”