Syria took part in the 62nd session of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) this week, with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani holding a series of meetings focused on integration efforts, security coordination and economic recovery.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Shaibani met Friday, Feb. 13, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the conference. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmad, head of foreign relations in the “Autonomous Administration” (AANES), also attended the meeting.
In a statement, the ministry said discussions addressed “the most prominent local and regional developments,” while emphasizing “the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.” The statement added that the American side affirmed support for the Syrian government and for the recent integration agreement with the SDF, as well as for Syria’s efforts to combat ISIS.
Abdi told reporters the meeting was “positive” saying the discussion covered “pivotal topics such as integration, the future of Syria, and the unique status of the Kurdish people.” He added further meetings would take place to protect the agreement with Damascus and said the ceasefire in northeastern Syria would be permanent, although “there are some problems that are being worked on.”
A Western official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said Washington is satisfied with progress in the integration process and urged Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to “show flexibility” in addressing SDF demands. Shaibani told Al-Jazeera integration into state institutions is progressing and reiterated that “Syria is one united country,” describing current talks as centered on partnership rather than division.
Economic Recovery and Migration on Agenda
Beyond security matters, Shaibani met Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the two discussed prospects for strengthening economic cooperation and supporting recovery projects as part of broader reconstruction efforts.
The minister also held talks with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. The ministry said the meeting addressed security issues and ways to enhance coordination in light of regional and international challenges.
In a separate meeting, Shaibani met Susan Raab, director general of the International Center for Migration Policy Development. Discussions focused on Syrian refugees and humanitarian conditions linked to migration, according to the ministry.
Shaibani arrived at the conference headquarters to participate in the session, marking continued Syrian engagement at the forum. Last year, Syria took part in the conference for the first time since its establishment in 1963, participating in a seminar titled “A New Dawn for Damascus: Prospects for Transition in Syria.”
In Munich, officials from the US, Syria and the SDF emphasized continued coordination against ISIS and the implementation of the integration agreement. While details of future arrangements remain under discussion, statements from all sides underscored a shared focus on maintaining territorial unity and preventing renewed instability as diplomatic and military transitions unfold.
