Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa affirmed that Syria has emerged from a period of exception and is returning to normalcy after years of isolation.
He noted that President Ahmad al-Sharaa ’s participation in the COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil reflects Syria’s renewed engagement on the international stage and its commitment to playing a balanced and active role in global affairs.
The upcoming visit of President al-Sharaa to Washington and his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is historic and marks a new chapter in Syrian-American relations, Minister al-Mustafa stated in an exclusive interview with Syrian News Channel on Friday.
He explained that Syrian diplomacy is working tirelessly to lift the Caesar Act and other sanctions imposed on the country due to their direct impact on the national economy and citizens’ livelihoods.
Al-Mustafa pointed out that the U.S. maintains a military presence in Syria due to the war against ISIS, and this reality must be approached pragmatically. He added that President Trump’s administration views Syria’s new leadership as a capable partner for achieving stability, emphasizing that there is a genuine opportunity to strengthen Syrian-American cooperation across political, economic, security, and military domains.
The minister stated that Syria’s announcement of joining the international coalition against ISIS, currently comprising 89 countries, is a natural step, given the coalition’s political nature. He said this move aligns with Syria’s policy and its constructive engagement with its surroundings.
Al-Mustafa added that it is important to recall that Syrian revolutionary forces were the first to confront ISIS in 2013, prior to the international coalition’s intervention, and made significant sacrifices. However, the political outcomes of that confrontation favored other groups, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces. Today, the government is working to redefine these issues and correct the course to preserve national unity and prevent division or secessionist agendas.
The information minister noted that Israel has carried out over a thousand airstrikes and five hundred ground incursions into Syrian territory, describing these actions as full-scale aggression and a blatant violation of national sovereignty. He stressed that Syria will continue to defend its legitimate rights through diplomatic and legal means to achieve security and stability and reach a security agreement that ensures withdrawal from occupied lands.
Regarding domestic affairs, Al-Mustafa clarified that kidnapping incidents in the country are limited and represent isolated cases of social violence that emerged following the end of authoritarian rule. He stated that the Ministry of Interior is closely monitoring these cases and distinguishes between criminal and politically motivated abductions. He affirmed that the state bears responsibility for addressing social violence and protecting citizens, expressing solidarity with all those affected across various provinces.
On the media front, the minister asserted that the level of freedom in Syria today is high and surpasses that of neighboring countries. He said Syrian media is being rebuilt on new foundations of professionalism, transparency, and national responsibility. He noted that government media, known for its accuracy and credibility, currently captures around 35 percent of public attention.
Economically, Al-Mustafa pointed out that electricity subsidies under the previous regime were superficial and drained nearly one billion dollars annually. He explained that the first residential tier of 300 kilowatts remains subsidized at 60 percent of production cost. The reduction in industrial tariffs aims to revitalize the sector, reduce unemployment, and lower the prices of goods and services. He emphasized that the new electricity plan seeks to improve service and ease the burden on citizens within a balanced developmental vision.
Regarding the Sweida file, the Minister of Information underlined that the government has committed to transparency and accountability in ongoing investigations. He acknowledged that some violations occurred and pledged to hold those responsible accountable. He noted that admitting mistakes is a first step toward building trust and strengthening the path of reform and accountability in the new Syria.
MHD Ibrahim
