London: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani announced that the complete removal of US Caesar Act sanctions against Syria is now merely a 'matter of time.' Shaibani shared this during a panel discussion held at Chatham House, highlighting Damascus's belief in its success in changing global perceptions over the past year.
According to Anadolu Agency, Shaibani emphasized Syria's current state as 'exhausted and in a transitional phase,' requiring time to recover from years of conflict and express itself anew. He stressed the government's intention for Syria to become a nation its citizens can believe in, rather than feeling disconnected from it.
The foreign minister also revealed Syria's desire to revive the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel to reduce tensions along the frontier. He accused Israel of territorial incursions and air strikes while noting Syria's restraint over the past year. Shaibani argued that a stable and unified Syria would ultimately benefit Israel.
Shaibani addressed concerns about Syria's relationships with global powers, asserting the country's intent to avoid becoming a proxy state entangled in geopolitical conflicts. He acknowledged Russia's historical involvement in Syria but emphasized the need to regulate Moscow's role moving forward. He also noted the improving relationship with the US, marked by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's successful visit to Washington.
In terms of diplomatic missions, Shaibani mentioned plans to restructure Syria's foreign missions, including reopening the embassy in Ankara. He explained the loss of the previous embassy building due to unpaid rent under the Assad regime but signaled progress in discussions with Turkey to restore full diplomatic representation, emphasizing the importance of strong bilateral relations.