A welcome ceremony was organised for Raisi at the Qasr al-Sha’ab presidential palace after which he met President Bashar al-Assad….reports Asian Lite News
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Syria on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Iranian leader since the beginning of the conflict in the Arab nation in 2011.
Raisi was received by Syrian Foreign Ministry officials and representatives from the presidency at the Damascus International Airport, reports Xinhua news agency.
A welcome ceremony was organised for Raisi at the Qasr al-Sha’ab presidential palace after which he met President Bashar al-Assad.
According to Iranian state media, the two leaders are expected to hold extensive political and economic talks, followed by the signing of a number of agreements.
The delegation accompanying Raisi includes Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and other senior officials.
Iran has supported al-Assad during the Syrian war.
The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing security and combating terrorism in all its forms….reports Asian Lite News
Syria and Saudi Arabia have agreed in a joint statement to resume consular services and flights, after the bilateral ties have been stranded for years.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for a visit on Wednesday, amid a thaw in ties between Damascus and Riyadh, reported Al Jazeera.
According to Saudi and Syrian state media, Mekdad arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday after receiving an invitation from Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the two top diplomats held a session of talks on efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the unity, security and stability of Syria.
They also discussed facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, and securing humanitarian access to the affected areas in Syria.
The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing security and combating terrorism in all its forms, and enhancing cooperation in combating drug smuggling and trafficking.
The joint statement also emphasized the need to support the institutions of the Syrian state to extend its control over its territories to end the presence of armed militias and external interference in the Syrian internal affairs.
Both sides also discussed the necessary steps to achieve a comprehensive political settlement of the Syrian crisis that would end all its repercussions, achieve national reconciliation, and contribute to the return of Syria to its Arab fold and the resumption of its role in the Arab world.
The visit to Saudi Arabia is the first by a Syrian foreign minister since the war in Syria in 2011. Although Saudi Arabia backed the Syrian opposition, the relations with the ruling regime have thawed recently, reported Al Jazeera.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has mostly defeated the Opposition attempts to unseat him from power, with support from Russia and Iran.
During the past few months, there has been increasing engagement with Al-Assad, who has been isolated ever since the Syrian war began.
Assad travelled to the UAE and Oman this year, while Saudi Arabia announced last month that talks for resumption of consular services with Damascus had begun, reported Al Jazeera.
On Friday, a gathering of regional foreign ministers will be held in Saudi Arabia to discuss Syria’s re-admission to the Arab League.
Following reports of a potential restoration of relations, Saudi official media stated last month that talks were underway between Damascus and Riyadh to reinstate consular services.
Diplomatic attempts have up steam after Saudi Arabia decided last month to normalise relations with Iran, a significant ally of the Syrian regime, Al Jazeera reported. (with inputs from ANI)
The two sides discussed the necessary steps to achieve a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis in Syria that would end all its repercussions…reports Asian Lite News
Syria and Saudi Arabia have agreed in a joint statement to resume consular services and flights, after the bilateral ties have been stranded for years.
The announcement came as Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad wrapped up his visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first time since the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011, Xinhua news agency reported.
The statement on Wednesday said both Syria and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume the consular services and the flights between the two countries, stressing that both sides have agreed on boosting security and counter-terrorism efforts, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry.
The two sides discussed the necessary steps to achieve a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis in Syria that would end all its repercussions, achieve national reconciliation, and contribute to the return of Syria to its Arab surroundings and the resumption of its natural role in the Arab world, according to the statement.
The two countries also agreed to resolve humanitarian difficulties and offer a suitable environment for assistance to reach all parts of Syria, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The two sides stressed the importance of the return of Syrian refugees and displaced individuals to their areas, along with taking the required steps to stabilise the situation in the country.
Mekdad’s visit to Saudi Arabia came upon the invitation by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, as the relations between both countries are on the way to normalisation.
On Wednesday, Tunisia and Syria decided to reopen their respective embassies to resume diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Top Egyptian diplomat reiterated Egypt’s full support for Pedersen’s efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement in Syria…reports Asian Lite News
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has called for an end to all forms of terrorism and foreign “interference” in Syria in order to restore its security and stability.
During a phone call with the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen, the top Egyptian diplomat reiterated Egypt’s full support for Pedersen’s efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement in Syria, in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
The UAE president also expressed his condolences over the earthquake victims, stressing his confidence in Syria’s ability and determination to overcome the ordeal….reports Asian Lite News
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad paid a state visit accompanied by his wife Asma al-Assad to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday.
The Syrian President and First Lady were received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon their arrival at Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.
During their meeting at the Presidential palace, the two presidents discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, which would contribute to achieving their mutual interests, reported WAM news agency.
The UAE president also expressed his condolences over the earthquake victims, stressing his confidence in Syria’s ability and determination to overcome the ordeal.
The Syrian President extended thanks and appreciation to the UAE government and people’s position and their immediate response while addressing the ordeal caused by the earthquake.
He also said that the UAE’s assistance was qualitative and provided with love, friendship and fraternity, leaving a significant impact on the Syrian people.
Assad also extended thanks and appreciation for the UAE’s embrace of the Syrian community during various circumstances.
He lauded the virtues, values and deep-rooted approach in establishing the UAE, reflected in the Emirati stance towards fraternal countries.
The Syrian President emphasised his country’s keenness on the sustainability of enhancing its fraternal relations with the UAE.
The visit came at a time when the UAE is helping Syria return to the Arab fold following years of diplomatic isolation after the Syrian war broke out in 2011.
The UAE resumed its diplomatic ties with Syria in 2018, and is spearheading the relief aid delivery to Syria in the wake of last month’s earthquakes as well as mediations apparently to normalize relations between Syria and major regional powers such as Saudi Arabia.
The UAE has sent hundreds of relief planes, including those provided by Arab and other foreign countries, to quake-hit Syria.
Visit by Syria's Assad showcases UAE's pursuit of independent foreign policy.(photo:IN)
Syria enters 13th year of crisis amid positive signals of possible political detente…reports Asian Lite News
The Syrian crisis is entering its 13th year with some positive signs that the stalemated political settlement could see a nudge this year.
The first three months of 2023 witnessed some crucial developments that raised hopes about a possible detente in the 13th year of the crisis. The main headline was the success of the Russian and Iranian efforts to break the ice between Syria and Türkiye as the relations between the two neighbouring countries have seen much tension over the past 12 years.
Deputy foreign ministers of Syria, Türkiye, Russia, and Iran are set to meet soon to pave the way for the meetings of Syrian and Turkish foreign ministers for the first time since the beginning of the Syrian crisis. In December, the defence ministers of the two rivals met in Moscow.
People search for survivors among the rubble of a building destroyed in a powerful earthquake in the al-Masharqa neighborhood of Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Feb. 7, 2023. Massive earthquakes have killed 364 people and wounded 702 others in Aleppo city, the media office at the Aleppo governorate headquarters told Xinhua. (Str/Xinhua)
A possible rapprochement between Syria and Türkiye is crucial for peacefully defusing the Syrian crisis. Türkiye enjoys considerable sway over key rebel groups in northern Syria as it’s one of the opposition backers.
Another unexpected positive development was the China-backed reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both are regional powerhouses and key players in the Syrian war, with Iran supporting the government of President Bashar al-Assad while Saudi is a key opposition backer.
On top of that, devastating earthquakes, which jolted Syria on Feb. 6, have pushed Arab countries to shelve former policies toward Syria, creating the so-called “disaster diplomacy.”
For the first time in more than a decade, Saudi planes landed in Syrian airports delivering relief aid to the earthquake victims. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry also made an “ice-breaking” visit to Syria after the quake, expressing the most populous Arab country’s support for Syria.
On Wednesday, the 12th anniversary of the Syrian war, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian President Bashar Assad for talks that are believed to touch upon Syrian-Turkish reconciliation.
Positive signals can be felt domestically, regionally, and globally, said Mohammad Al-Omari, a Syrian political observer and writer.
“Moscow and Tehran exert efforts to find a mediation formula between Syria and Türkiye and reflect that on the political track in Syria. The earthquake’s devastating impact on Syria has provided chances for some countries to communicate and cooperate with Syria,” he told Xinhua.
The analyst pointed out that the current positive vibe could push the stalemated political talk forward, noting that a comprehensive political solution demands a broader international and regional alignment based on cooperation and stability.
However, as Syria’s political development moves to the positive side, the financial situation doesn’t seem as promising due to the U.S. sanctions that are choking the country’s economy.
People are seen at a displacement center in the Salah al-Deen neighborhood in Aleppo, northern Syria, on Feb. 7, 2023. Massive earthquakes have killed 364 people and wounded 702 others in Aleppo city in northern Syria, the media office at the Aleppo governorate headquarters told Xinhua. (Str/Xinhua)
Al-Omari noted that even if the U.S. could lift the sanctions, which is highly unlikely, the impacts would not end overnight as the U.S. measures had created a “cracked environment” in Syria.
“The U.S. sanctions and embargo imposed on Syria, as well as its illegal actions in stealing our resources, have led to a cracked and fragile environment that will have a substantial influence on the country’s education, health, and food security in the future,” he noted.
According to UNICEF estimates, 90 percent of people in Syria live in poverty, most are unable to make ends meet or bring food to the table. Families have had their resources depleted, with limited employment opportunities, skyrocketing prices, and a shortage of basic supplies.
Osama Danura, another political analyst, said he is optimistic about the continuous reconciliation between Syria and regional countries, adding that the communication that has already taken place will help reduce tensions in regional flashpoints. ■
The number of flights to Syria reached 134 cargo planes carrying foodstuffs and medical supplies weighing 4,413 tonnes….reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates continued for the 25th consecutive day to send relief aid to the earthquake-affected in Syria, as part of Operation “Gallant Knight / 2”.
The number of flights to Syria reached 134 cargo planes carrying foodstuffs and medical supplies weighing 4,413 tonnes.
The Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Emirates Red Crescent, has presented Syria with 10 state-of-the-art ambulances, as part of Operation “Gallant Knight / 2” and the UAE’s ongoing efforts to aid the quake-hit Syrian people.
Dr. Salem Al Falasi, who is in charge of following up on the needs of the health sector in Syria, said, “Since our presence after the earthquake in Syria and until now, we have been monitoring the health situation closely, by visiting a number of hospitals, checking their conditions, and monitoring their needs for medical supplies and medicines, as part of the recovery and rehabilitation phase.”
Al Falasi added that the basic needs of the medical sector in Latakia have been provided, guided by the support of the wise leadership which directed the provision of all basic needs for hospitals in order to enhance health services and provide the best care for patients.
Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi, Head of the Emirates Red Crescent delegation in Syria, affirmed the continuation of providing full support to the earthquake-affected, noting that work is underway to prepare an integrated shelter camp for those whose homes were damaged by the earthquake.
Iranian spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the visit of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) delegation on Sunday represented fresh “breakthroughs” in relations…reports Asian Lite News
Iran said on Tuesday that the visit of senior Arab lawmakers to quake-ravaged Syria is a step toward greater “solidarity” in the region.
Making the remarks in a tweet, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the visit of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) delegation on Sunday represented fresh “breakthroughs” in relations between Syria and other Arab countries, Xinhua news agency reported.
Headed by the Speaker of the Arab Parliament Adel Abdel-Rahman Al-Asoomi and Iraqi parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, the delegation’s Sunday visit was aimed at “expressing solidarity” with Syria following the deadly quakes that jolted the country on February 6, Kanaani noted.
These breakthroughs are also proof of greater “realism” in the region and in the Muslim world, he added.
If the regional countries can adopt “realistic and independent” national approaches and resist the demands of any hegemonic power, they will resolve their problems through dialogue and regional mechanisms, the spokesman said.
After the tragic earthquakes, Arab countries have sent many aid shipments to Syria amid signs of a wide-scale diplomatic detente.
The AIPU is a regional parliamentary organisation composed of parliamentary groups representing the Arab Parliament, the legislative body of the Arab League. Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 after the war broke out in the country.
In another development, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Monday, in the first visit by a top Egyptian diplomat to Syria since the start of the Syrian civil war about 12 years ago.
During their meeting, Shoukry conveyed a message from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who reaffirmed his country’s support for Syria to face the repercussions of the earthquakes, the media office of the Syrian Presidency reported.
Shoukry also conveyed the Egyptian President’s willingness to boost and develop relations between the two countries, according to the report, Xinhua news agency reported.
Shoukry said his country considered the Syrian-Egyptian relationship an essential pillar in protecting the Arab countries, stressing that Egypt will always stand ready to help Syria and its people.
For his part, Assad noted that Syria is willing to enhance relations with Arab countries, especially Egypt.
On February 6, strong earthquakes jolted large swathes of areas along the Turkish-Syrian border and killed tens of thousands of people in the two countries.
Since the deadly quakes, Assad’s government, which was suspended from the Arab League in 2011, has received calls and aid from a number of Arab leaders, including al-Sisi.
The Emirati philanthropic organisation has intensified its relief efforts to reduce the humanitarian impact of the disaster on the lives of the local population..reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is continuing its distribution of humanitarian aid to those affected by the earthquake in Syria.
The Emirati philanthropic organisation has intensified its relief efforts to reduce the humanitarian impact of the disaster on the lives of the local population and to alleviate their suffering under extremely difficult conditions, as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight / 2.
An ERC delegation, led by Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi, Chairman of Catastrophes Response, is supervising urgent relief operations by distributing humanitarian aid including food, shelter materials, and food parcels to hundreds of families in Latakia Governorate.
This is being done in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), as the ERC coordinates its field operations with its Syrian counterpart to reach the areas most affected by the disaster and the groups most affected by its repercussions.
Al Kaabi stated that the ERC’s efforts are ongoing to meet the needs of the Syrian people in terms of necessary supplies, and a plan has been developed to expand the aid beneficiaries’ umbrella in coordination with SARC. Field teams are assessing the needs of the families affected by the earthquake, and the ‘Bridges of Goodness’ campaign has provided many of those needs and strengthened the ERC’s efforts.
He added that the aid is in line with the UAE’s keenness, represented by the ERC, to support the fraternal people of Syria in their current ordeal and to help them overcome their dire conditions.
The ‘Bridges of Goodness’ campaign, launched by the Emirates Red Crescent, continues to provide relief to those affected by earthquakes. The campaign is being organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Community Development, and a number of local humanitarian and charitable organisations.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said his country welcomes any role played by Iran in easing the tension between Syria and Turkey and achieving political progress.
The tension has been brewing for weeks after Ankara declared a plan to impose a buffer zone in northern Syria on the border with Turkey through a military operation against the Kurdish militias in that region.
Any solution should lead to Turkey’s withdrawal from Syrian territories, an end of Turkish attacks on Syria and a halt of Turkish support for the rebel groups in Syria, Mekdad said at a joint press conference held with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who arrived in Syria to discuss ways to defuse the tension.
Amir-Abdollahian reiterated Iran’s willingness and full readiness to mediate to prevent a military operation in northern Syria and promote good relations between the two neighboring countries.
His visit to Syria comes days after he met with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, in Ankara.
Turkey has for long deemed the growing Kurdish influence in northern Syria as a threat to its security and has also carried out several military operations against Kurdish groups there, accusing them of having links to Kurdish separatist groups inside Turkey.
Assad’s Complain
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused the Turkish leadership of committing aggression against Syria, even as Turkey is planning a new offensive in northern Syria.
The pretexts Turkey uses to justify its aggression on Syrian territory are “false, misleading, and have nothing to do with reality,” Assad was quoted by the state SANA news agency as saying.
Turkey’s conduct has violated international law and principles including the UN Charter, he added.
Syria has repeatedly rejected Turkey’s plan to impose a buffer zone along the Turkish border in northern Syria.
Turkey has so far carried out several military operations against Kurdish militants in northern Syria, accusing them of having links to Kurdish separatist groups inside Turkey.
Meanwhile, a soldier and a civilian were killed and four people wounded in two attacks by militants of the Islamic State (IS) militant group in northern and central Iraq, security sources said.
In the northern province of Nineveh, a soldier was killed and two others wounded when a roadside bomb, believed to be planted by IS militants, went off near an Iranian security unit outside a village near the town of Tal Afar, some 70 km west of the provincial capital Mosul, an army officer told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The source said the attack took place when the troops were hunting down IS militants in the area.
In a separate incident, a civilian was killed and two others wounded when a roadside bomb, reportedly planted by IS militants, exploded in a village in the Tarmiyah area, some 30 km north of the capital Baghdad, Ihsan al-Rubaie from the Baghdad police told Xinhua.
Iraqi security forces have been fighting IS militants over the past months to crack down on their intensified activities.
The security situation in Iraq has been improving since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, its remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against the security forces and civilians.
