On Monday, April 7, 2025, the first meeting of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic convened under the presidency Ahmad Al-Sharaa.
In his opening speech, the President outlined the priorities of government work and the challenges faced by various ministries.
He emphasized the importance of integration among ministries to develop emergency plans that primarily consider the needs of the Syrian citizen in revitalizing the economy. This, in turn, would positively impact the syrians daily needs and address the significant destruction inflicted by the fallen regime on the state’s infrastructure, particularly in economic and financial systems.
President Al-Sharaa also stressed the importance of the reconstruction file and the necessity of developing strategic plans for urban organization in cities and towns.
The president reiterated the principle of civil peace as a primary organizing framework for government work in the upcoming phase, along with related issues such as media discourse, which should be national and inclusive, enhancing national unity and rising above all divisions. Syria belongs to all its citizens.
President Al-Sharaa listened to his ministers regarding their initial perceptions after officially assuming their duties, urging them to present comprehensive plans for the next government meeting for evaluation and swift implementation.
The interventions of the ministers, each according to their specialization, focused on both external and internal issues that affect citizens’ lives. Among the most notable topics were economic sanctions and attempts to leverage international support for the new government to accelerate reconstruction efforts.
Recent developments in important internal matters were also discussed, particularly the rebuilding of a professional national army, ensuring that weapons are held solely by the state, and completing agreements with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) through various steps to achieve integration within the civil and military state institutions, as well as with military factions in Sweida.
The economic policy of the state was reviewed, emphasizing the need for harmony and integration between the Ministries of Economy and Finance and the Central Bank to develop flexible policies that respond to promising opportunities in various sectors through building partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Plans were also discussed to enhance domestic tourism in the light of the return of many citizens from abroad.
The Ministers also presented various proposals and plans in sectors such as public works, housing, displaced persons in camps, support for the agricultural sector, energy provision, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure, especially in transportation.
The organization of civil society work, the establishment of a fair judicial system for a state of freedom and dignity, the revitalization of official media, were also addressed.
The meeting concluded with a brief summary from President Al-Sharaa on the necessity of quickly restructuring ministries and finalizing appointments. He emphasized the importance of digital transformation, future planning, and putting theoretical plans into practical implementation as soon as possible.
Souha Suleiman