Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara spoke about Syria’s future vision, emphasizing a policy of economic openness and balanced relations with regional and international powers. He addressed multiple issues, including relations with Russia and Iran, the economic situation, and the future of media and politics in Syria.
اضافة اعلان
Foreign Relations: Moving Beyond the Past and Building the Present
In a comprehensive interview with Al-Ikhbariya TV, Al-Shara stated that Syria seeks to build calm and balanced relations with all countries, noting that “the ball is now in the court of those countries that want to stir unrest.” Regarding Iran, he said the wounds were deep, but there is no intention of permanent severance. Syria entered a state of “cooling” in its relations with Iran after the fall of the previous regime, which led to the removal of Iranian influence from the region. Some Iranian factions still consider Syria’s loss as a loss for the entire axis.
Conversely, he described Syria’s relationship with Russia as “good and calm,” despite difficult military choices at the start of operations. Although Russia’s Hmeimim base could have been targeted, it would have prompted wider Russian involvement. An agreement with Russia during the arrival of forces in Homs led to their withdrawal from the military scene, and both parties adhered to their commitments.
Al-Shara also highlighted improving relations with Egypt and the U.S. interest in investing in Syria. He emphasized that Syria must maintain its prior ties with Russia and manage them “calmly and prudently.”
Economy and Investment: An Alternative to Aid and Loans
The president stressed that “Syria does not want to live on aid or politicized loans,” and that the alternative is to open the country to investment. He explained that foreign investment creates jobs and contributes to infrastructure repair, which promotes national stability.
Al-Shara emphasized that the reconstruction project is a significant undertaking, with simultaneous work ongoing across several sectors. Over the past nine months, approximately 1,150 new production lines were introduced, in addition to restarting previously halted factories.
He announced plans to establish a “Development Fund” aimed at building infrastructure in destroyed villages and towns and providing soft loans to farmers. He also noted that reforming the judicial and educational systems and developing human resources represents the greatest capital for the economy.
Freedom and Media: Criticism as a Healthy Practice
Al-Shara stated that the world has moved beyond the idea of controlling media and stressed the need for wide freedom of the press with minimal restrictions. He considered the presence of “critical voices” a “healthy and sound condition.” He reads criticisms directed at him and described critique as important, even if harsh, provided it is accurate and constructive.
He added that “Syria should not be in a time where the president decides everything,” noting that the people would not accept such a situation. Political work requires regulatory laws, and political pluralism and differing opinions represent “the natural state appropriate for Syria.”
Israel File: Ongoing Negotiations
Al-Shara discussed Israel, noting that the fall of the previous regime “disappointed” certain Israeli policies that sought to use Syria as a battleground against Iran. He confirmed that Israel had plans to divide Syria.
He revealed ongoing negotiations regarding a “security agreement” to return to the 1974 agreement or something similar, emphasizing that these discussions have not yet concluded. Israel considered the fall of the regime as Syria exiting the 1974 agreement, although Syria has expressed commitment to it from the very beginning.
He also stated: “At the start of military operations, we could have targeted the Hmeimim base and all the aircraft there.”
