“Syria’s dealings with Russia have been gradual, and no new agreements have been signed”, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani said Saturday, adding that agreements made with the previous regime are suspended and “not accepted.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the state- run Al-Ikhbariyah TV, Al-Shaibani described a broader transformation in Syrian diplomacy, aimed at overcoming the coercive practices of the former regime. “We have succeeded in transforming Syrian diplomacy into one that is open to dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
He emphasized that Syria has not aligned with any international camp or axis and is engaging with all countries in a balanced way. “At this stage, we are planning Syria’s diplomacy rather than merely responding to it, to firmly place Syria on the international map,” he said.
Al-Shaibani highlighted the ministry’s role in representing Syria and defending national interests. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the clearest expression of Syria’s current state,” he said, noting that diplomatic efforts are also aimed at mitigating economic sanctions and improving conditions for Syrians abroad.
The minister said Syria is working to repair the image tarnished by the previous regime, particularly in Lebanon, and to address the issue of Syrians detained abroad on politically motivated charges.
He praised President Al-Sharaa’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly, calling it “positive and necessary” for presenting the new government’s vision. “Through diplomacy, we have moved Syria from a country once at war to a nation looking toward the future with steady footing,” Al-Shaibani said.
All diplomatic moves, he stressed, are carefully planned and involve no concessions on Syrian rights. “The Syrian people want to rebuild their country and make Syria a shining model,” he said.
Syria is leveraging its international standing to strengthen ties with Russia, China, and Europe for the benefit of its people, he said. “We are restoring our relationships with China, which previously sided politically with the former regime and used its veto power in its favor. Next month, Syria will make its first official visit to Beijing,” al-Shaibani added.
On domestic issues, he called the Sweida situation “a Syrian wound” and stressed that the government did not choose the events that occurred there. “Our partners agreed to the roadmap presented by Syria, and a fact-finding committee is in place. We are approaching this issue from a national standpoint,” he said, adding that attempts to internationalize it served “specific external agendas.”
Al-Shaibani also addressed northeastern Syria, emphasizing swift implementation of the March 10 agreement, which he said is crucial for integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions. “There is a historic opportunity for north and east Syria to play an active role. Any delay in implementing the agreement will harm civilians and impede the return of displaced people,” he said. He reiterated that Syria rejects any form of division or federalism, calling it “non-negotiable.”
The minister warned that Israel is pursuing expansionist projects, exploiting recent changes in Syria and destabilizing the region.
Highlighting economic progress, al-Shaibani said Syrian diplomacy has already attracted foreign investment. “It will take time, but next year the people will see tangible improvements in living conditions,” he said, promising a better economic reality for Syrians.
Amer Dhawa
