Minister al-Moallem meets a number of foreign ministers in New York, affirms that Syria will go forwards in political solution to crisis

New York, SANA- 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). 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. Al-Moallem also met Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, briefing her on the latest developments in Syria regarding counter-terrorism and the Idleb agreement, reiterating that Syria is pursuing a political solution that is based on respecting the country’s independence, sovereignty, and unity. He 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. Al-Moallem also met Sultanate of Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi. Talks during the meeting dealt with the situation in Syria and the latest agreement on Idleb city as Minister al-Moallem asserted that Syria will go forwards in the process of local reconciliations and in combating terrorism. The meeting also touched upon the bilateral relations between the two countries and the conciliatory role played by Sultanate of Oman in the Arab and regional arenas. The two ministers underlined the necessity of continuing consultations and coordination between the two countries on all levels in a way that would serve the joint interest of the two brotherly people. Minister al-Moallem, in the same context, met Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs Manuel Augusto as al-Moallem explained the latest political and field developments in Syria, indicating that Syria seeks to end the crisis through local reconciliations and combating terrorism. For his part, Angolan Minister stressed that his country will not forget the support provided to it by Syria during its crisis, and that it will exert all possible efforts to support Syria’s stances, particularly with regard to its right in combating terrorism. The meeting also tackled the bilateral relations between the two countries, underlining the necessity of developing and enhancing Syria’s relations with the African continent