The Minister of Foreign Affairs has conveyed the will of the Cyprus to contribute to a ‘positive perspective for Syria, both at the bilateral level and within the European Union,’ to the country’s transitional government during his visit to Damascus.
Constantine Kombos met with both the transitional leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sarrah, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Assad Hassan al-Shibani.
He stated that Cyprus-Syria relations are ‘deep and historic,’ adding that the purpose of his contacts was to assist in Syria’s transition back to the international community, as a full member, with the legitimization that is expected and required.
He said that for this to succeed, the basic principles of ‘good neighborliness and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states must exist’.
Kombos also said that the security, stability and progress of Syria also affects and concerns Cyprus.
Accordingto a release from the Cypriot PIO, Kombos said Cyprus, as a neighbouring country and the closest European Union member state, expressed its concrete and active support towards the people of Syria for the prospect of prosperity, stability, and security for the country and the wider region.
‘The people of Syria, irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity, have every right to hope for a promising and sustainable future, especially in this historic and pivotal moment following the fall of the Assad regime.’
Discussions with the country’s interim leadership were of particular importance given the planned discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council next week in Brussels, where the situation in Syria, as well as next steps are on the agenda.