Manama, Oct.31 (SANA) Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said on Saturday that true security is embodied in states that are capable of protecting their people, neighbors that respect each other’s sovereignty, and agreements that stand firm in the face of difficult tests.
“Syria’s joining of the international coalition against ISIS is a historic step,” al-Shaibani said during a session on the foundations of regional security as part of the 22nd Manama 2026 Dialogue Conference.
Syria has turned the page on the legacy of the deposed regime
Al-Shaibani added that arms derive their legitimacy solely from the legitimacy of the state and Syria has turned the page on the legacy of the deposed regime and is now delivering on its promises of stability and confronting cross-border crime.
“We look forward to sharing our experience and expertise in addressing the challenge posed by militias and weapons outside state control, which threaten our countries and the region,” the Foreign Minister affirmed.
As for Caesar Act, al-Shaibani said that this chapter has been turned on and parliamentary life has resumed, and “we have begun holding those involved in violations during the era of the deposed regime accountable, and more than 3.7 million Syrians have returned to their homes.”
Syria cooperates with international organizations with full transparency
“We are cooperating with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with full transparency to bring those files to a technical and institutional conclusion, demonstrating that New Syria is capable of protecting its people and honoring its international commitments,” the Foreign Minister said.
He added that confronting the threat posed by cross-border smuggling networks requires information-sharing and operational coordination that respect states’ sovereignty and protect civilian lives. Any decisions taken outside the framework of coordination undermine trust with our neighbors.
Syria has been subjected to more than 1,000 Israeli attacks in less than two years
“Our territory has been subjected to more than 1,000 Israeli attacks in less than two years, claiming dozens of lives. How can calls for securing borders and placing weapons under state control be met with the daily violation and targeting of Syrian sovereignty,” al-Shaibani affirmed.
He said that Syria condemns the repeated Israeli attacks on our territory, and “We have called for returning to the lines in place before December 8, 2024, and for the implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.”
“We inherited an administrative structure riddled with corruption and institutions tailored to the deposed regime. The pace of recovery faces restructuring obstacles that are delaying the foundations for domestic stability and regional immunity,” al-Shaibani added.
Syria supports Gulf states and Jordan against any aggression
As for reginal conflicts, al-Shaibani said that Syria stands by the Gulf states and Jordan against any aggression, and strongly condemns missile and drone attacks. The stability of the Gulf is a natural extension of Syria’s security.
“Geography is destiny, and integration is a choice. We have chosen to make our territory a bridge for prosperity and the exchange of interests, and We stand as a bulwark against turning Syria into a platform for threatening neighboring countries.” The Foreign Minister said.
Golan is a Syrian territory
“The Golan is Syrian land, and UN Security Council Resolution 497 is the reference. Regional stability depends on ending the tragedy in Gaza and establishing a path leading to an independent Palestinian state.” Al-Shaibani affirmed.
He went on to say that the scale of suffering endured by Syrians places the international community before a shared moral and historic responsibility to ensure the success of Syria’s recovery process. We look forward to our partners supporting us along this path.
“We highly appreciate the lifting of broad sanctions and the removal of Syria from lists of terrorism. Our hope is that this positive political climate will be translated into economic realities and a partnership that delivers tangible results on the ground,” Foreign Minister added.
He concluded by affirming that Syria has left the trenches of conflict to take its place at the table where security is shaped. “When Damascus rises and regains its strength, the region will regain its balance and regional security its true meaning.”
kA/MZN
