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Conflict in Syria

New Syrian authorities strengthen Mediterranean relations, politician says

According to Mohammed Sabra, the new authorities of the Arab Republic will "enhance relations with Turkey, Eurasian countries, and the European Union nations that supported the Syrian people's struggle for freedom"

TUNIS, December 13. /TASS/. The new Syrian authorities will initially focus on strengthening relations with Arab states and Mediterranean countries, former head of the Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee Mohammed Sabra told TASS.

"In the initial phase, Syria will prioritize strengthening its Arab relations and its Mediterranean ties, especially given that Syria has been a historically significant and influential country in the Mediterranean basin. Syria must reclaim this role," the politician said.

According to him, the new authorities of the Arab Republic will "enhance relations with Turkey, Eurasian countries, and the European Union nations that supported the Syrian people's struggle for freedom."

Sabra stated that the main priority of Syria's foreign policy was to restore balance in its diplomatic approach and to reestablish an active diplomatic role in the region and the world. The politician noted that efforts would focus on correcting past mistakes. He also emphasized that Syria was ready to extend a hand for cooperation to all nations, provided such cooperation was based on respect for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in its internal affairs, and respect for the choice of the Syrian people.

Mohammed Sabra headed the High Negotiations Committee, which was established by the Syrian opposition following a unification conference in Riyadh at the end of 2015, and represented the body in the inter-Syrian negotiations in Geneva.

In late November, armed opposition units launched a large-scale offensive on positions held by Syrian government forces. On December 8, they entered Damascus, prompting government troops to withdraw from the capital. Bashar Assad stepped down as Syrian president and left the country, issuing instructions to ensure a peaceful transition of power. On December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, who had led the so-called Syrian Salvation Government in the Idlib Province since January 2024, announced his appointment as head of Syria’s interim government. This transitional period will last until March 1, 2025.

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Syrian conflict

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