Minister Moallem Held Meetings in New York

NEW YORK, (ST)_ Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem met Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 73).

According to SANA the talks during the meeting tackled developments related to the Idleb agreement, with al-Moallem stressing the need to adhere to it and implement it.

They also discussed forming a committee to discuss the current constitution, with both sides affirming that this process belongs to the Syrians and must be led by Syria.

Discussions also touched on bilateral relations and implementing agreements between the two countries, with the two ministers agreeing to continue consultations and coordination.

In a statement to journalists after the meetings, al-Moallem said that the Russian Defense Minister has stated that Syria will receive the S-300 systems within two weeks, hoping that this missile system will cover the Syrian airspace.

He voiced the Syrian government’s thanks to President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to reach an agreement on Idleb, noting that humanitarian corridors in Idleb are operational but terrorists are hindering the exit of civilians from the area.

Al-Moallem stressed that terrorists must leave Idleb, and that it must not be in the hands of foreigners.

In the same context, Minister al-Moallem met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, briefing him on the situation on the ground and on the political level in Syria, as well as the efforts that led to the Idleb agreement and the details of this agreement.

He said that large parts of Syria have become secure but the battle against terrorism is still long and requires uniting efforts to eliminate it, affirming that Syria is continuing to pursue a political solution that is devised and led by Syrians without foreign interference.

Al-Moallem noted that Syria has expressed its readiness to return displaced people, something which requires uniting the efforts of the international community, stressing the need to develop relations with China in all fiels.

In turn, Wang Yi reviewed his country’s efforts and role at the Security Council, stressing the need for finding a political solution based on commitment to Syria’s country’s independence, sovereignty, and unity.

He said that the way Syria’s leadership and people defended their country is an example for the peoples of the world in defending sovereignty and dignity.

The Minister affirmed that the two countries will continue coordination in the field of counter-terrorism, voicing satisfaction over the stability in Syria, affirming that China is prepared to participate in the reconstruction process, and thanking Syria for supporting his country’s Belt and Road Initiative.

 

 

Minister al-Moallem met later  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for talks  on the latest political and field developments in Syria, agreement on Idleb, and on the efforts exerted to form a committee on discussing the Constitution.

Guterres expressed hope for the return of security and stability to Syria and its regaining position as a main basis in the Arab world and region, stressing UN readiness to contribute to the exerted efforts for forming a committee on discussing the Constitution and working on providing humanitarian aid.

For his part, Minister al-Moallem said that the UN role is a facilitator in the political process which must be under the Syrian leadership and by the Syrian people only without any foreign interference.

 

Al-Moallem also met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, as talks focused on the latest meetings of Guarantor States of Astana process, the implementation of Sochi Agreement on Idleb and the committee on discussing the Constitution.

The two sides agreed on continuous consultation, cooperation and coordination between them in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and peoples.

 

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem met Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 73).

Al-Moallem reviewed the latest developments in Syria regarding counter-terrorism and the Idleb agreement, affirming that Syria is continuing to pursue a political solution that is devised and led by Syrians without foreign interference and that is based on respecting the country’s independence, sovereignty, and unity.

He also underlined the efforts of the Syrian government to secure the return of people displaced due to terrorism, noting that thousands have already returned from neighboring countries.

For her part, Swaraj congratulated Syria on its success in fighting terrorism, affirming that India will continue supporting Syria in this field and in finding a political solution.

She also said she will visit Syria at a date to be set by both sides soon in order to enhance bilateral relations and set up a framework for cooperation and coordination.

Earlier, Minister al-Moallem met Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel and Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Al Dirdiri Mohamed Ahmed on the sidelines of 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 73).

According to SANA, Minister al-Moallem briefed the two ministers on the latest developments of the situation in Syria regarding counterterrorism efforts and the agreement on Idleb.

The talks also dealt with the issues of common concern , with stress laid on the need for continuing consultation and coordination in the meetings held at international organizations to serve the interests of Syria, Algeria and Sudan.

For their part, the Sudanese and Algerian ministers congratulated the leadership and people in Syria over the victories achieved by the Syrian Army and people in countering terrorism and restoring safety and stability to different areas after defeating terrorist groups positioned there

They also affirmed their countries’ standing by Syria in defending its rights, unity and territorial integrity , as well as eradicating terrorism and exerting pressure on the backers of terrorism in order to implement  UN resolutions related to combating terrorism.

The Sudanese Foreign Minister reiterated the importance of bolstering relations between Syria and Sudan at all levels.

Al-Moallem also met Foreign Minister of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides who expressed the readiness of Cyprus Companies to contribute in the reconstruction process in Syria

M.A.