In a speech resonating with themes of reconciliation, sovereignty, and regional cooperation, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani addressed the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for Syria’s reintegration into the Arab fold.
Delivering greetings from President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Syrian people, Shaibani declared Syria’s commitment to Arab unity and its “strategic necessity” for ensuring a prosperous and stable future. His remarks reflected a nation striving to emerge from years of conflict and isolation.
Despite Gains More Work Lies Ahead
Shaibani welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it “an important step toward national recovery,” and credited it to effective Arab diplomatic engagement. He singled out Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their pivotal mediation, alongside acknowledgment of Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and other Gulf states for supporting Syria at a critical juncture.
Yet the foreign minister warned that the lifting of sanctions is “only the beginning,” calling for sustained Arab collaboration to rebuild Syria’s economy, foster internal stability, and fortify regional security. “We are walking a new road, one that must be paved with trust, justice, and mutual investment,” he said.
A New Page for Syria
Positioning Syria’s current political trajectory as one of inclusive reform, Shaibani emphasized the launch of a comprehensive national dialogue and the formation of an inclusive government aimed at achieving transitional justice and uncovering the fate of the missing. “There can be no reconciliation without justice, and no civil peace without uncovering the truth,” he stated.
He also cited progress in drafting a permanent constitution and steps toward establishing a representative national parliament. These moves, he noted, aim to enshrine the rule of law and restore trust in Syrian state institutions.
Rejecting Interference and Embracing Sovereignty
Shaibani struck a firm tone against foreign interference, reiterating Syria’s rejection of any external tutelage or proxy conflicts. “Syria does not accept guardianship and is not content to be an arena for other people’s conflicts,” he said. He accused foreign actors of exploiting the Syrian crisis, including the manipulation of ISIS remnants and support for separatist factions.
He also condemned Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional calm. Reaffirming commitment to the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, he urged a unified Arab stance to support Syria’s claim to full sovereignty.
Shared Struggles and Regional Unity
Echoing a wider Arab consensus, the foreign minister voiced support for Palestinians in Gaza and denounced Israeli military operations, now in their 19th month. “We hear the call of Gaza within us,” he said, linking Syria’s recovery to broader regional justice and peace.
The final communique of the summit, as reported by INA and AFP, mirrored his appeals. Arab leaders rejected the displacement of Palestinians, condemned Israeli attacks on Syria, and called for political resolutions in both Gaza and Sudan. They also welcomed the lifting of US sanctions on Syria and emphasized sovereignty as a foundational principle of regional stability. Shaibani closed with thanks to Iraq for hosting what he called a “historic summit,” saying Syria extends its hand “out of partnership and responsibility to build a future worthy of our history.”
