UPDATE - Syria’s foreign minister holds flurry of meetings in Munich, underscores unity, reconstruction drive

​​​​​​​ADDS MEETING, CHANGES HEADLINE, DEDK, LEDE, ADDS BAKCGROUND

By Abdulsalam Fayez

ISTANBUL (AA) –Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held high-level meetings Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, focusing on reconstruction, economic cooperation and reaffirming Syria’s unity and sovereignty.

The meetings, held during the three-day conference in Germany, included talks with Nechirvan Barzani, president of Iraq’s northern Kurdish region, as well as Gulf, European and US officials, according to statements by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

- Talks with Iraqi Kurdish leader

Shaibani met Barzani and discussed Syria’s economic situation and the country’s postwar reconstruction, and stressed the importance of intensifying economic and development ties in the coming days, a Syrian Foreign Ministry source told SANA.

Barzani reaffirmed his support for Syria’s unity and stability, describing them as “a fundamental pillar for the stability of Iraq and its Kurdish region alike,” according to the source.

He praised several steps taken by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, expressing “great satisfaction” with a recent presidential decree concerning the rights of Syrian Kurds.

In January, Sharaa issued a decree recognizing the cultural and linguistic rights of Syrian Kurds, addressing civil and legal issues affecting stateless residents, and tackling long-standing property rights cases, in a move aimed at building an inclusive state that protects citizens’ rights without discrimination.

Later that month, the Syrian government announced it had reached a “comprehensive agreement” with the YPG/SDF terrorist organization, aimed at ending internal divisions and launching a new phase of integration.

The government said the agreement covering the northeastern cities of Hasakah and Qamishli and the integration of military forces complements a previous deal signed on Jan. 18.

- Saudi Arabia ‘key partner’

In separate talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Shaibani discussed ties and ways to enhance coordination, alongside regional developments, SANA reported.

Shaibani stressed the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, saying Damascus is working to “put its internal house in order” and move forward with reform and reconstruction.

The Saudi minister said Syria’s success represents success for the wider region, praising efforts to unify the country under one leadership and describing the kingdom as a “key partner” that will continue coordination in the next phase.

- Gulf, Western engagements

Shaibani also met his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, to discuss strengthening partnership and cooperation in support of regional stability, as well as expanding ties.

In talks with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Sabah, the two sides reviewed fraternal relations and emphasized the importance of safeguarding Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On the Western front, Shaibani met a US congressional delegation headed by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, where discussions focused on developments in Syria and the broader region, and support for a political path aimed at achieving security and stability.

He also held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on relations and regional developments, with both sides underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation to promote stability and reviewing peace and development efforts in Syria.

Additional meetings included talks with US Sen. Elissa Slotkin on regional and international political developments, and with Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, where both emphasized strengthening cooperation and partnership.

The 62nd Munich Security Conference runs for three days amid heightened global tensions and shifting international dynamics, serving as a key platform for reviewing alliances and foreign policy trajectories.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul