Damascus , SANA- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held Wednesday a press conference with his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Radman, at Tishreen Palace in Damascus, where he stressed that the Croatian Foreign Minister’s visit to Syria marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect.
Al-Shaibani added that Syria and the Syrians will never forget Croatia’s stance and its support for them since 2011, condemning and rejecting the practices of the former regime.
The Minister indicated that with the lifting of restrictions on Syria, efforts are focused on building tangible partnerships with our international partners.
He noted that the discussions with his Croatian counterpart were constructive and focused on strengthening cooperation in various fields, in addition to the reconstruction process in Syria.
During the conference al-Shaibani said:
* We reviewed Croatia’s experience in post-war recovery, where it was able to rebuild itself using its own capabilities, and we in Syria can benefit from this experience”.
* Stability in the region cannot be achieved in light of the ongoing Israeli attacks.
* The Israeli attacks on Syria and Qatar represent a flagrant violation of international law, and we call on the international community to hold Israel accountable for these violations.
* The relationship between Syria and Croatia will be multifaceted and highly advanced, as Croatia is a member of the European Union and contributed to the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
* The return of refugees is linked to prosperity and stability in Syria, and that the government is making every effort, within its available capabilities, to ensure the necessary conditions for this return.
The foreign Minister noted that a strategic vision has been developed for the return of Syrian refugees abroad, and that regional and international support is needed to ensure this permanent return
He emphasized that the relationship between Syria and Croatia will be multifaceted and highly advanced, as Croatia is a member of the European Union and contributed to the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
For his part, the Croatian Foreign Minister said, “I am very pleased to be in Damascus at this important moment in Syria’s history, and we express our full solidarity and sympathy with the Syrian people for what they have been through during the years of war and the difficulties they have faced, and we are fully aware of the magnitude of the challenges”.
The Croatian minister’s most notable statement was:
* Croatia supports a comprehensive process to achieve stability in Syria and welcomes the lifting of US and European sanctions, which is essential for the reconstruction process in Syria.
* We hope that Syria will succeed in recovering after years of war, just as Croatia has.
* We are proud that Croatia has continued to provide assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan and this is a commitment to supporting Syrians wherever they are.
* Peace and security in the Middle East are essential and must be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.
* Today marks a pivotal moment in relations between our two countries, and there are many possibilities for cooperation between them in all areas, especially economics and energy.
Croatian Minister Radman also said, “We agreed to form business delegations to explore cooperation between our two countries and identify areas where cooperation can be strengthened.”
Radman expressed his country’s readiness to open its embassy in Damascus, and that this matter would be worked on with the Syrian side.
Fedaa
