27.07.2026 06:50
Syrian President Ahmed Shara announced that diplomatic contacts are ongoing to reach a security agreement with Israel, and stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has engaged with the United States regarding the process of lifting US sanctions on Syria. Shara also expressed that relations with Russia are in a normalization process and that they are concerned about Hezbollah's presence on the Lebanese border.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara made significant assessments regarding his country's foreign policy, relations with Israel, and the US sanctions process in an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera television.
"WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS A SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL"
Addressing relations with Israel, al-Shara stated they are working towards a security agreement with the Tel Aviv administration. Noting that Israel has various objectives in the region, al-Shara expressed that they are trying to involve the international community and numerous countries in the process to pursue a more balanced policy towards Syria.
Emphasizing that they avoid futile conflicts with Israel, al-Shara mentioned that there are some obstacles to the security agreement and Israeli violations, but they are conducting intensive diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful solution with minimal damage.
"THE REGION SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND IRAN"
Al-Shara stated that regional countries should not be forced to take sides in the rivalry between Israel and Iran, highlighting the importance of each country establishing an independent political stance.
"ERDOĞAN STEPPED IN"
Al-Shara noted that policies during the Assad era isolated Syria internationally, and expressed that the new era is built on construction, stability, and development.
Al-Shara said US President Donald Trump played a key role in the process of lifting sanctions, and added that Saudi Arabia and Turkey also acted as mediators.
Announcing that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has undertaken initiatives with the US regarding the lifting of sanctions, al-Shara stated that most sanctions were imposed due to crimes committed by the deposed Bashar al-Assad administration, and said, "It was not reasonable for the Syrian people, who have freed themselves from the old regime, to continue facing the same sanctions."
Al-Shara also emphasized the critical importance of removing Syria from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism," where it has been since 1979, through the Caesar Act, noting that this process is ongoing with the US Department of State and Congress.
MESSAGE ON RUSSIA AND LEBANON
Al-Shara indicated that relations with Russia are in a normalization process, with negotiations ongoing regarding the future of Russian bases. Expressing concern about Hezbollah's presence on the Lebanese border, al-Shara said they support the sovereignty of the Lebanese state.