BAGHDAD, 17th May, 2025 (WAM) - Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria had begun serious steps toward national recovery, based on a firm belief that Syria is for all Syrians, with no place for marginalisation or exclusion.

For the first time in history, Syria has embarked on a nascent experience of inclusive national dialogue that embraces diversity, guarantees representation, and preserves dignity. Syria does not accept guardianship, nor does it accept being an arena for other people's conflicts,'' said Asaad Al-Shaibani in his country's speech today at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad.

"We all followed positively US President Donald Trump's announcement to lift the sanctions imposed on our country, a decision we see as an important step on the path to national recovery and reconstruction and reflect a sincere Arab diplomatic effort that has yielded tangible results," Al-Shaibani said.

The Minister added: We extend our special thanks and gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye for their effective mediation, which came at a pivotal historical moment, adding: We also express our deep gratitude to the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. All of them, and to every Arab country that stood by Syria at this delicate stage.

The minister pointed out: ''Lifting the sanctions is not the end, but rather the beginning of a path that we hope will be paved with real cooperation and the integration of Arab efforts to achieve development, preserve Arab national security, and enhance stability in our region.''

''We are now putting the final touches to work toward a national parliament representing the entire Syrian spectrum, and toward a permanent constitution that enshrines rights, safeguards sovereignty, and establishes a state of law, not a state of chaos. Any project aimed at weakening the Syrian state, or dividing it under any pretext, is a project that is categorically condemned and rejected by the Syrian state and people with all its components,'' he emphasised.