Al-Shaibani: Iran must acknowledge what it has committed against the Syrian people... and Israel should not dictate our alliances
- Confirmed that Turkey is a key partner in Syria’s reconstruction... Damascus has not yet decided on its stance regarding the “Mecca Agreement”
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani described Turkey on Friday as a “key partner” in the process of rebuilding Syria, adding that Damascus has not yet finalized its position on joining the “Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense,” signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Speaking during an official visit to Pakistan, al-Shaybani said that Syria is considering joining the agreement and has not yet made a final decision on the matter, noting that Syrian-Turkish relations are based on a shared border stretching over 1,000 kilometers, as well as historical ties between the two countries.
Regarding Iran, he stated that Tehran must “first acknowledge what it has done to the Syrian people during their revolution against the Bashar al-Assad regime.” At the same time, he praised Pakistan’s role in the dialogue process between the United States and Iran, pointing out that Islamabad has not yet offered any mediation proposal between Damascus and Tehran.
Al-Shaybani described his visit to Pakistan as “successful,” announcing that the two countries agreed to reactivate the joint ministerial committee, maintain direct air flights, establish a business council, and organize an investment forum, along with upgrading Syria’s diplomatic representation in Pakistan to the level of an ambassador.
On relations with Israel, al-Shaybani stressed that Syria’s priority is to halt Israeli attacks, considering it “far too early” to discuss any strategic agreement. He emphasized that Syria is a sovereign state and that Israel should not dictate Damascus’s alliances or partnerships.
He confirmed that Syria’s new foreign policy focuses on reconstruction, economic cooperation, and building stronger relations with regional and international partners.
Al-Shaybani arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday, leading a high-level delegation, on an official visit that marks the first by a Syrian foreign minister to the country in 19 years.
