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Syrian-Greek Summit Aims to Strengthen Regional Cooperation
The spokesperson for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lana Zouchiu, revealed that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani discussed key issues including migration, the protection of Christian communities in Syria, and the development of a trilateral plan involving Cyprus during his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
The meeting took place in Athens on Wednesday, August 20, marking the first visit of a Syrian official to Greece since the collapse of the previous regime. Both officials expressed their mutual interest in establishing a trilateral cooperation framework with Cyprus to promote regional collaboration.
The initial phase of this plan is scheduled to be launched in September during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to the Greek Foreign Ministry. Media outlets in the United States, including The Monitor, reported that during the transitional period, Syrian President أحمد الشرع is expected to deliver a speech at the UN Summit in September.
The Greek Foreign Ministry emphasized that this meeting presents a "valuable opportunity" to strengthen bilateral relations amid the current volatile geopolitical context, especially in light of recent developments in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Discussions centered on Greece’s role in providing technical expertise for institutional development and enhancing cooperation on migration issues through the formation of specialized committees. The Greek side underscored the importance of respecting international law, particularly maritime law, and safeguarding the sovereignty rights of neighboring states.
Greece also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Christian community in Syria and maintaining open channels of communication with the "Antiochian Patriarchate," recognizing it as a vital institution defending and strengthening the relations between Syrian Christians and the Russian Orthodox Church, along with the broader Christian community within Syria.
Greek Foreign Minister highlighted Greece’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He stressed the importance of the Syrian government fulfilling its commitments to inclusive governance, free from external interference, and ensuring comprehensive representation of all ethnic and religious groups.
As of now, the Syrian government has not issued a detailed statement regarding the outcome of the meeting, with the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs merely indicating that the two ministers engaged in extensive discussions on several shared issues.
