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 began an era of freedom after long decades. He stressed that celebrating Liberation Day is not merely about political change or new 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 government pledged to honor the sacrifices of the Syrian people and devoted its time and effort to presenting the new 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 government succeeded in building relations with more partners than had been achieved in the past decade. 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 displaced 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 military presence. He called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to stop these violations, stressing that regional stability is indivisible and that respect for Syrian sovereignty is the foundation of any sustainable peace.
Al-Shaibani expressed deep gratitude to the brotherly and friendly countries that stood by the Syrian people in their ordeal, to every country that hosted Syrian refugees, and to the diplomatic efforts that supported the peaceful transition and helped save lives. He affirmed that this support will remain engraved in the memory of Syrians and future generations.
He stressed that Syria has returned to be a haven of peace, a partner in civilisation, and a bridge of communication between East and West, extending its hand to all toward a future of peace and prosperity.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Damascus, Cardinal Mario Zenari, stated in his speech during the ceremony that Syria’s liberation anniversary marks a turning point in the country’s new historical chapter, and that the new Syria will be for all its people, where everyone enjoys equal rights and serves as a shining model of coexistence.
For his part, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Bahraini Ambassador Waheed Mubarak Sayyar, extended his congratulations to the Syrian government and people on the first anniversary of liberation, affirming that this day represents a national milestone that opened the door to a new phase of stability and reconstruction.
Sayyar pointed out that the lifting of sanctions on Syria came as a result of the active diplomatic efforts led by Damascus over the past year, supported by clear Arab backing that reflects the depth of fraternal ties and the keenness of Arab states to assist Syria in its path toward recovery.
8 December marks the first anniversary of Syria’s liberation from the defunct Assad regime, after which the country witnessed a new birth following the Syrian people’s revolution that spanned from 2011 until the end of 2024.
MHD
