Foreign Ministry’s statement on the meeting held between Minister Al-Shibani and U.S. Congressman Corey Mills 

DAMASCUS, Apr.19, (ST)-Today, Foreign Minister As’aad Al-Shibani met U.S. Congressman Corey Lee Mills in Damascus.

They held in-depth discussion about developments in the security and economic situations in the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as prospects for building a strategic partnership between Damascus and Washington based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The discussion also dealt with the common threats facing the two countries and the region, including cross-border militias, the spread of drugs, and organized crime.

They also emphasized the need for concerted efforts to confront them within an international framework based on international law and state sovereignty.

The impact of unilateral US sanctions on Syria was also on the table, as they directly impact the lives of Syrian citizens and vital sectors such as health, education, and energy.

The Syrian side emphasized the need to lift these illegal measures as a fundamental step towards building trust and engaging in constructive cooperation.

The two sides also asserted the importance of consolidating the principles of justice and fairness and supporting efforts to achieve regional stability, considering that Syria’s stability constitutes a fundamental pillar of security in the region and the world.

Al-Shibani affirmed the Syrian Arab Republic’s openness to responsible and serious dialogue with all international parties, including the United States, based on common interests and mutual respect. He reiterated Syria’s firm position in supporting any efforts that serve the interests of the Syrian people and strengthen their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

These talks come within the broader context of international engagements conducted by Syria aimed at breaking its isolation and strengthening its regional and international presence and role in serving its supreme national interests.

Basma Qaddour