Al-Mikdad holds talks with his Russian, Sudanese and Emirati counterparts on the sidelines of UNGA’s 77th session

On the sidelines of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Al-Mikdad and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov discussed during a meeting on Friday issues of common interests, stressing that the Syrian-Russian relations are strategic and deep-rooted.

The two sides reviewed latest developments in the region and the world and affirmed the need to encourage building a multi-polar world order based on the rules of the international law and the UN Charter away from the western mentality which is based on hegemony and unipolarity.

Al-Mikdad voiced Syria’s support for Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, affirming Russia’s right to defend itself against western threats and aggressive policies.

Regarding Syria, Lavrov confirmed his country’s commitment to providing all forms of support for Syria in its efforts to preserve its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in fighting terrorism and in facing the unilateral coercive measures that have badly affected the Syrians’ life.

The two ministers noted the importance of Astana process on Syria, asserting the need to continue with coordination regarding different topics on the agenda of Astana meeting. They affirmed that western countries should stop impeding early recovery projects in Syria in accordance with the Security Council Resolution No. 2642, urging donor countries to implement their obligations in this regard.

Maintaining Arab unity and consolidating common Arab action

Minister Al-Mikdad also held talks with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Al-Sadiq on the latest developments in Syria and Sudan and on bilateral relations.

The two ministers reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the two countries and to continue fighting terrorism, calling for non-interference in the Syrian and Sudanese internal affairs. They also affirmed the importance of maintaining Arab unity and consolidating common Arab action.

Al-Mikdad talked about the positive developments that have taken place in Syria in different domains and explained the challenges facing the country, particularly terrorism and the need to continue with fighting it, the continuity of the Turkish and American occupation of Syrian territories and the impacts of the unilateral coercive measures.

On his part, Al-Sadiq explained the situation in Sudan and the efforts exerted within the framework of political dialogue.

Facilitating early recovery projects in Syria

In the same context, Al-Mikdad met with UAE’s Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed with him ways to enhance relations between Syria and the UAE.

Al-Mikdad talked about the destruction caused by the terrorism that has been facing Syria over the past decade and about the tragic impacts of the unilateral coercive measures imposed on the country and that have negatively affected the economic and living conditions of the Syrian people and exacerbated their suffering.

He reaffirmed the importance of implementing all procedures to facilitate early recovery projects in Syria, particularly in the domains of electricity, water, health and education.

On his part, minister Abdullah bin Zayed reaffirmed his country’s’ keenness on Syria’s complete recovery as soon as possible, hoping that the situation will restore its normality in a way that serves the interest of the Syrian people and helps Syria restore its regional and international role.

The two ministers pointed out that they will continue coordination and consultation bilaterally and within the UN, particularly as the UAE occupies a non-permanent seat at the Security Council.

Hamda Mustafa