Damascus, Dec.25 (SANA) After more than half a century of authoritarian rule that burdened Syria with severe internal and external challenges, the country entered the year 2025 announcing the beginning of a new chapter in its history—a chapter in which it freed itself from the deposed regime, to rebuild its identity and its place in the region and the world.
This year was not just a number on the calendar, but a pivotal milestone and the start of a strategic launch toward stability, development and openness. The national vision was transformed into tangible steps, from strengthening international relations to launching economic and developmental projects that establish Syria as an active and reliable State.
Active Diplomacy
The year 2025 witnessed unprecedented diplomatic activity, as President Ahmad Al‑Sharaa paid 21 foreign visits to important capitals, in addition to participating in regional and international events. These visits were not merely ceremonial, but carried clear political messages about the new Syria’s desire to rebuild its relations and establish balanced strategic partnerships with various parties.
Enhancing Partnerships
The achievements of the year were not limited to diplomacy, but extended to strategic projects on the ground. Around fifty agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed with Arab and international countries and companies, representing a strategic shift in Syria’s approach toward international openness and rebuilding the interior through multi‑level partnerships. This placed the country on a path of recovery and restored its presence and status as a civilized center and an active developmental partner.
Return to the International Community
On the international level, Syria’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York—at the level of the presidency—after an absence since 1967 was a historic event. President Al‑Sharaa presented the “Syrian story” to the world, affirming Syria’s rejection of partition projects and its determination to cement its position as an active partner in regional and international issues.
The year also witnessed a remarkable development in relations with the United States. President Donald Trump announced from Riyadh on May 13 the lifting of sanctions on Syria, and met the next day with President Al‑Sharaa, then again in New York and later in Washington. He became the first Syrian president to visit the White House since the country’s independence in 1946. These efforts resulted in the lifting of all U.S. sanctions, including the “Caesar Act,” which Trump officially repealed on December 18 after its approval by the Congress.
Year of Construction and Development
By the end of 2025, Syria appears to be on the threshold of a new stage full of opportunities, relying on its diplomatic and economic achievements, determined to turn plans into tangible projects that serve citizens and restore the country to its natural role in the region.
The year 2026 represents an opportunity to consolidate Syria’s position not only on the political and economic map, but also as a stable and active state in regional security, capable of contributing to building a better future for its people and the entire region.
2025 was the birth of the new Syria, a country that ended half a century of authoritarianism, moving toward stability, development and international openness.
MZN