President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Syria is working to rebuild relations with countries around the world, highlighting that the lifting of sanctions and support for its return to the international stage benefit all.
“A new chapter in the region’s history began with the birth of a new Syria,” the President said.
In an interview with Al-Sharq TV on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit, President al-Sharaa said, “Syria has historically carried great weight in the region and was never on the margins. But the former regime deprived both Syria of the world and the world of Syria over the past 60 years.” He added that over the past 10 months, “a new history for the region has begun with the birth of a new Syria.”
U.S. Relations: “Action First”
On ties with Washington, President al-Sharaa said his approach is to “start with action first,” noting that the previous regime “did nothing” to advance relations. “Syria’s position is sensitive, and it has begun to reclaim its regional and global role,” he said.
“It is in the interest of many countries to have strategic relations with Syria – and likewise, in Syria’s interest to maintain such ties”, the President said . adding that discussions with the United States “require careful consideration” expressing hope for talks during a planned visit to the White House next Monday.
Regional Ties: Shared Security and Cooperation
On relations with Saudi Arabia and other regional states, President al-Sharaa said, “What happened in Syria serves the interests of Saudi Arabia and the region as a whole.” He noted that Damascus has taken steps to invest in regional security, emphasizing mutual dependence.
“The safety of Syria contributes to the safety of Saudi Arabia, and vice versa,” he said. describing the “deep affection” between peoples in the region, particularly Saudi support for Syria, as a key foundation for cooperation.
Lifting Sanctions: A Rare Consensus
Commenting on the U.N. Security Council resolution lifting sanctions on him and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, President al-Sharaa called it “a positive step” and “the first time in a long while that the Council has unanimously agreed on something – thankfully, it was about Syria.”
The President recognized support from countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and European states such as France, the U.K., Italy, and Spain, noting Britain was among the first to lift sanctions. He also cited contributions from the U.S., Russia, and China.
COP30 Climate Summit: Reintroducing Syria
Regarding COP30, President al-Sharaa said the summit provides Syria “an opportunity to reintroduce itself to the world.” He added, “Syria is defining itself in a new and different way. The summit allows for many side meetings, helping to establish a new phase of multi-dimensional partnerships across the region.”
