Damascus, Dec. 13, (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa convened a meeting on Saturday with notables and community leaders representing the governorates of Lattakia and Tartous.
Lattakia Governor Mohammad Othman and Tartous Governor Ahmad al-Shami attended the meeting which addressed a range of national, service-related and development issues concerning the two coastal governorates.
During the meeting, held at the People’s Palace in Damascus, President al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria is entering a new phase of state reconstruction, based on partnership with the people and the consolidation of stability, while moving beyond the burdens of historical challenges. He stressed Syria’s ability, despite existing obstacles, to transform into an advanced state capable of competing at both regional and international levels.
President al-Sharaa warned that the manipulation of sectarian divisions poses a serious threat to national unity, stressing that the state harbors no exclusionary or retaliatory tendencies toward any component of Syrian society. He reiterated that Syria is one indivisible homeland, emphasizing that the Syrian coast is well positioned to serve as a national model for overcoming sectarian discourse, given its history of openness and culture of coexistence. He added that state-building and development remain the most realistic and effective choice.
The President noted that Syria is pursuing a policy of positive international balances and openness to new partnerships that contribute to economic development. He outlined that Syria possesses numerous assets that make Lattakia and Tartous attractive environments for investment, adding that the state has accelerated the development of port projects in cooperation with globally active companies, positioning Syria as a key hub linking East and West.
Al-Sharaa further emphasized that the Syrian coast is receiving special attention and witnessing growing investor interest, with the first tangible achievements expected next year. He said these projects would benefit Aleppo, the coast, Damascus and other governorates, contributing to the revival of the agricultural sector through modern technologies, strengthening industry, increasing local production and addressing unemployment, thereby bolstering the national economy.
Participants stressed the importance of consolidating civil peace, reinforcing national unity, prioritizing the public interest and upholding the rule of law as the guarantor of rights for all citizens.
They reaffirmed that the Syrian coast is an integral part of a unified Syria that rejects division, voiced their opposition to any foreign interference in the country’s affairs, and called for the development of a comprehensive investment roadmap for the coastal region to support development and create job opportunities.
President al-Sharaa concluded by underscoring the importance of preserving national cohesion and opening a new chapter in which the law serves as the governing reference for resolving challenges, within a state of citizenship that guarantees justice and safeguards the rights of all Syrians.
A/Dh
