📰 Foreign Ministry holds reception for ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Syria

Damascus, Dec. 11(SANA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates held a reception for ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Syria, marking the first anniversary of liberation, at the Golden Mazzeh Hotel in Damascus. The liberation celebration, attended by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, included a visual presentation highlighting Syria’s renewed diplomacy and its achievements over the past year. Minister al-Shaibani affirmed, in his speech, that on these same days last year, the Syrian people closed the chapter of tyranny and commenced an era of freedom after long decades.

He stressed that celebrating Liberation Day is not merely about political change or emerging faces, but about liberating national will and restoring the state’s true role in serving its citizens. The Foreign Minister stressed that from the very first moment of liberation, the administration pledged to honor the sacrifices of the Syrian people and devoted its time and effort to presenting the emerging Syria to the world. He explained that in just one year, nearly a thousand meetings, contacts, and diplomatic engagements were carried out, surpassing what the ousted regime achieved in over fifty years, in a determined effort to restore Syria to its rightful place. Al-Shaibani noted that within a year, the administration succeeded in building relations with more partners than had been achieved in the past decade.

Additionally, he highlighted that the most significant accomplishment was breaking the isolation through lifting sanctions, reopening embassies and diplomatic missions, and regaining regional and international presence. He pointed out that the return of international flags flying over Damascus is clear evidence of restored confidence in the Syrian state and its new institutions. The Minister explained that Syria has regained its voice in international forums with a new discourse that respects international conventions and embraces dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts. He added that Syria has begun activating strategic partnerships that serve the interests of its citizens and strengthen regional security, moving away from bloc politics that burdened the country for decades.

He clarified that celebrating victory does not mean ignoring challenges, noting that the heavy legacy left by the previous era requires long-term effort and collective work. He highlighted the main challenges, including economic and service-related issues, the refugee and relocated persons file, and repeated Israeli aggressions. Minister al-Shaibani stated that the government is working seriously to extend state authority over all national territory and end any illegal armed forces presence. …