ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – During a political mission in Damascus, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed Al Shara, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassan Al Shibani.
During the day, the minister will meet with representatives of the Christian communities in Syria, civil society, NGOs, and humanitarian workers, as well as a representation of co-nationals who are in Syria.
The meetings allowed Tajani to confirm Italy’s commitment to supporting the transition process after the years of civil war and the end of Assad’s brutal regime. “I have indicated to the new authorities and the Syrian people how the Italian government wants to contribute towards conciliation and reconstruction process of the country, within the framework of broader efforts to stabilize the region”, Tajani said at the end of the meeting.
The minister also reminded the leading role that Italy is playing in the transition process, highlighting that Italy is the only G7 country to have an operational embassy in Damascus. An action that was accompanied by a strong diplomatic commitment with the organization yesterday in Rome of a meeting with the ministers of the Quintet in Rome and continuous discussions with regional partners, most recently with the ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
During the meetings, particular attention was paid to the issue of how to promote an inclusive political process, which guarantees the fundamental freedoms of all Syrians and recognizes and enhances the role of Christians as citizens with full rights. The discussions also addressed the issue of the security situation and the socio-economic needs of the country in light of the long civil conflict.
The minister then announced a package of new development cooperation initiatives, which will involve Italian civil society organizations. He recalled that since 2019, Italy has planned an average annual allocation of over 40 million for the Syrian population and refugees in neighboring countries. Finally, Tajani indicated the desire to strengthen coordination with international partners and the United Nations also on the refugee situation, to facilitate their return to Syria voluntarily and in a safe and dignified manner.
During his mission in Syria, Tajani visited the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most symbolic places in Islam, and will also pay a visit to the chapel of St. Paul in Damascus.
– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –
(ITALPRESS).
