Syrian FM in Moscow touts end of war, sanctions relief as key victories

During high-level talks in Moscow, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani framed the past year as a historic turning point for his nation, citing two landmark developments: the declared end of its protracted 14-year civil conflict and the lifting of comprehensive international sanctions. Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, Shaibani laid out an ambitious agenda focused on reconstruction, attracting foreign investment, and addressing a legacy of profound humanitarian destruction.

A Daunting Humanitarian and Reconstruction Challenge

Minister Shaibani provided stark statistics to illustrate the scale of the task ahead. He stated that approximately a quarter of a million individual homes and around 4 million residential buildings have been destroyed across Syria. Furthermore, he noted that nearly 250,000 individuals remain missing, a tragedy he attributed to "actions taken by the former authorities"—a reference to the pre-2024 Assad regime. He also highlighted that millions of displaced persons live in tent settlements in the north and northeast, many of whom are eager to return home once basic living conditions are restored. Addressing these crises, he said, forms the "absolute priority" for Syria's transitional government.

Forging an "Advanced Phase" of Strategic Cooperation with Russia

The Moscow meetings underscored the foundational role of Russia as Syria's primary international partner. Shaibani emphasized that bilateral relations are entering an "advanced phase of development," focused on practical cooperation. He cited combating drug trafficking and, crucially, attracting investment to create jobs as key areas of collaboration. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, who noted Shaibani's "very good meeting" with President Vladimir Putin the previous day, stressed the importance of consistent dialogue to ensure Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Lavrov invited further discussion on enhancing cooperation across all fronts.

A Transition Focused on Diplomacy and Economic Revival

Beyond immediate humanitarian needs, Shaibani outlined a dual-track vision for Syria's future. Domestically, the focus is squarely on rebuilding the shattered economy and infrastructure. Internationally, he spoke of fostering "diplomatic balance in global affairs," signaling a desire to reintegrate Syria into the international community and diversify its partnerships beyond Moscow. While claiming success in halting the spread of drugs—a major regional issue—the minister's central message was one of transition: from a nation defined by war and isolation to one seeking stability, investment, and a renewed place on the world stage, with Russia as its indispensable ally.