Damascus, SANA- “A great opportunity is ahead for Syria,” declared Foreign Minister and Expatriates Assad al-Shaibani from Brussels, announcing Syria’s return to the “Union for the Mediterranean” meetings after its membership was reactivated following a 14-year suspension.
Minister Al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria is taking part in the Union for the Mediterranean meetings for the first time in many years, following the reactivation of its membership by a majority vote at the Union’s General Secretariat meeting earlier this July. Speaking on the sidelines of the “Union for the Mediterranean Meeting” in Brussels, he stated, “There is clearly a significant opportunity ahead for Syria with the European Union to build strategic partnerships in security, investment, and reconstruction.”
Coinciding with the announcement of Syria’s return to the Union at the beginning of this month, the Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement describing this step as a positive one that reflects growing recognition of Syria’s pivotal role in the region. It said: “This came after intensive diplomatic efforts to strengthen cooperation with Mediterranean countries on the basis of dialogue and sustainable development.” The statement also pointed to prospects for future cooperation following Syria’s restoration of its membership, affirming Syria’s commitment to the principles of the Union.
Signs of international cooperation awaiting Syria can be drawn from the meetings held by Minister Al-Shaibani on the sidelines of Syria’s participation in the “Union for the Mediterranean Council” meeting in Brussels.
Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani met with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, and with Austrian Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He also met with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Another important meeting was held by Minister al-Shaibani with his Lithuanian counterpart, Kęstutis Budrys, where they discussed ways to strengthen relations and cooperation in various fields to serve the interests of both countries.
Observers believe Al-Shaibani’s meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is also of great importance, as it will contribute to expanding cooperation on issues of common interest.
Syria’s return to the “Union for the Mediterranean” carries broad political and diplomatic dimensions, the most important of which is restoring its position as an influential country within an Arab-international environment, which enhances Syria’s ability to communicate and hold understandings and consultations in various fields, especially political and security ones, in light of the need for relations and cooperation at the international and regional levels, which ends Syria’s political isolation from the world that it suffered over the years as a result of the policies of the former regime.
Fedaa
