Netherlands Highlights Importance of Ties with Syria for Regional Stability
The Netherlands has underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with Syria, describing such cooperation as a fundamental pillar for regional security and stability. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, stated in a social media post this Friday that fostering ties with Damascus serves mutual interests, particularly regarding issues surrounding migration.
Minister Sjoerdsma clarified that the Dutch government’s current support for Syria is primarily focused on three key areas: humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and the development of sustainable conditions necessary for the safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. In his statement, the Minister also expressed his intention to intensify coordination with the Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al-Saleh, to address shared challenges and achieve common objectives.
This diplomatic outreach occurs amidst a period of heightened international activity by Syrian leadership. On Wednesday, President Ahmed Al-Sharaa met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting, which was also attended by Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, focused on exploring ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
In a related development, the Permanent Mission of Syria to the United Nations hosted a high-level international seminar titled “Regional Stability, Security, and Sustainable Return: The Imperative of a Syria Without Camps.” The event attracted a broad international audience, featuring representatives from key UN bodies and global organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The Syrian delegation at the seminar included the Minister of Emergency, the Permanent Representative of Syria to the UN, Ibrahim Al-Alabi, and the Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qutaiba Qadish. Participants engaged in discussions regarding the international approaches required to bolster stability within Syria. There was a consensus on the necessity of unified international efforts to identify root solutions that can effectively end the suffering of displaced persons and accelerate the path toward stabilization. These discussions align with Syria’s vision for the coming phase, particularly in light of recent diplomatic developments on the international stage.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
