Minister al-Shibani outlined Syria’s priorities at the Arab League’s 166th Ministerial Session in Cairo. He said Arab countries had gathered under the Arab League at a time requiring solidarity and a common vision.
Al-Shibani described the state’s absolute sovereign right to consolidate weapons under a single authority and make decisions on deterrence. He said they aimed to protect Syrians within a single homeland.
US-mediated talks
Al-Shibani said US-mediated talks were being held to end Israel’s attacks and secure its withdrawal to the lines in place before December 8, 2024.
Al-Shibani noted that reconstruction efforts were Syria’s focus and said they would not accept being drawn into a new conflict that would derail those efforts.
Syria’s reconstruction
Al-Shibani argued that the Syrian people had moved the country from crisis management to national reconstruction in 20 months. He said the period of bloody tyranny that had consumed Syrians’ lives for decades had come to an end.
Al-Shibani said the people had elected modern Syria’s first People’s Assembly through their free will. He said national security and defense institutions were being restructured to protect the borders.
The Golan Heights and a diplomatic solution
Al-Shibani thanked the Arab League for condemning Colombia’s decision to recognize Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights.
Al-Shibani said Syria had reaffirmed that Arab rights in the occupied Golan were inalienable and that it remained committed to a diplomatic solution. He added that they were working to end Israel’s aggression, detentions and violations.
