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President Ahmad al-Sharaa addresses the World Health Assembly by video. (WHO)
President Ahmad-al Sharaa addresses the World Health Assembly by video. (WHO)

Syria makes commitment to global health cooperation at World Health Assembly

20 May 2026.  In a video address to the assembly, President al-Sharaa said: “I address you today from Damascus at a moment when the world faces challenges requiring a shared international resolve that prioritizes human health and lays the foundation for a more secure and equitable future,” stating Syria is committed to global health security.Read more at: LEVANT 24Watch video at: YOUTUBE

French President Emmanuel Macron, G7 president for 2026 (pictured at March 11, 2026 meeting), will chair the summit from June 15-17. (Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron, G7 president for 2026 (pictured at March 11, 2026 meeting), will chair the summit from June 15-17. (Reuters)

Syria’s participation in June G7 talks signals another step in international financial integration

18 May 2026.  Syria has been invited to join a closed G7 financial session next month, discussing the country’s sustainable recovery and reintegration into the global system, along with its position in the shifting Middle East landscape. President al-Sharaa and Finance Minister Barnieh are expected to attend.Read more at:  ENAB BALADI

Head of CENTCOM (US Central Command), Adm. Brad Cooper, testifies to US Senate Armed Services Committee on post-Assad Syria, 14 May 2026. (AFP)
Head of CENTCOM (US Central Command), Adm. Brad Cooper, testifies to US Senate Armed Services Committee on post-Assad Syria, 14 May 2026. (AFP)

US military commander testifies to Congress that Syria is “center of gravity” in regional fight against IS

16 May 2026.  The leader of the US Central Command, head of military operations in 20 Middle East and Asian countries, sees Syria as pivotal to shifting the Middle East from a zone of chaos into a zone of trade and stability, and he linked Syria’s stability to US security. He said the US is engaging with the Syrian government to “support a settlement that preserves dignity in the post-Assad phase.”Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad-al Shibani speaks in Brussels during the EU–Syria forum on regional security. (Andalou Agency)
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani speaks in Brussels during the EU–Syria forum on regional security. (Andalou Agency)

Syria ready for security agreement with Israel based on mutual interests, but not forcibly imposed normalization

14 May 2026.  In an interview with Euronews during the Brussels conference, Foreign Minister al-Shibani stated that Syria is prepared to reach an agreement with Israel that protects mutual sovereignty and security, but that normalization imposed through “military force or provocation” is unacceptable.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

Members of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), a key component of SDF, undergoing military training in Hasakah, northeast Syria, November 2025. (Valeria Mongelli Photography)
Members of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), a key component of SDF, undergoing military training in Hasakah, northeast Syria, November 2025. (Valeria Mongelli Photography)

Former Kurdish-led SDF fighters are being integrated into Syria’s army 

3 May 2026.  Syrian authorities report integrating four SDF brigades into the national army under a January 2026 agreement between Damascus and SDF forces, which outlined phases for reintegrating northeastern Syria after years of autonomous administration. An official cited “remarkable progress.”Read more at:  LEVANT 24

President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the informal emergency meeting of the European Union and Arab states on the disruption of energy, held in Nicosia, Cyprus, April 23, 2026. (SANA)
President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the informal emergency meeting of the European Union and Arab states on the disruption of energy, held in Nicosia, Cyprus, April 23, 2026. (SANA)

President al-Sharaa links security in Europe to stability in Middle East

24 April 2026.  Speaking to European and regional leaders at an emergency meeting, al-Sharaa presented Syria as a safe alternative corridor—linking Central Asia and the Gulf with Europe—for the flow of energy and trade. Citing shared responsibilities with new geopolitical realities, he called on the international community to halt Israel’s attacks on Syria.Read more at:  SANA

UN Security Council meets to discuss its humanitarian plan for Syria. (UN)
UN Security Council meets to discuss its humanitarian plan for Syria. (UN)

UN Security Council praises Syria’s progress and condemns Israel’s incursions

24 April 2026.  In a rare consensus, the entire Council endorsed the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response plan for Syria. Members praised Syria’s contributions to regional stability, and its increasing global integration; many condemned Israel’s constant attacks. Syria’s outstanding humanitarian needs were stressed by UN executives.Read more at:  LEVANT 24 

European Commission flag overlaps map of Syria, depicting evolving relations. (Syrian Observer)
European Commission flag overlaps map of Syria, depicting evolving relations. (Syrian Observer)

EU member states view Syria as viable partner after little over a year of recovery

21 April 2026.  Relations have been warming with the EU under Syria’s new leaders, the result of frequent diplomatic missions and the dramatic policy shifts and actions they have undertaken. Syria is being viewed as a reliable partner in many spheres of shared interest and as an alternate trade corridor in the Middle East. The EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement of 1978 will soon be restored.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, director-general of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Syrian Finance Minister, Muhammad Barnieh in Washington, DC. (L24)
Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, director-general of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Syrian Finance Minister, Muhammad Barnieh in Washington, DC. (L24)

Syria seeks renewal of international programs cancelled under old regime

19 April 2026.  During the annual spring meetings of the world’s major global financial institutions in Washington, Syria’s Finance Minister met with the World Bank, IMF and OPEC’s Fund for International Development to restart programs rescinded under the previous regime and present new initiatives.Read more at:  LEVANT 24

President Ahmad al-Sharaa is interviewed during Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Türkiye. (SANA)
President Ahmad al-Sharaa is interviewed during Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Türkiye. (SANA)

Syria seeks to serve as bridge between nations, President tells global forum

17 April 2026.  In a wide-ranging interview covering Syria’s positions on diverse issues, President al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s commitment to helping resolve regional crises and developing regional stability, stressing its focus on diplomacy and the country’s potential as a secure trade and energy corridor.Read more at:  SANAWatch video at: YOUTUBE

Syrian and Jordanian foreign ministers formalize new agreements during the second session of the Higher Coordination Council in Amman. (SANA)
Syrian and Jordanian foreign ministers formalize new agreements during the second session of the Higher Coordination Council in Amman. (SANA)

Damascus and Amman moving toward a stable, longterm partnership

13 April 2026.  Marking a new phase in political and economic alignment, Syria and Jordan signed nine agreements to integrate essential national sectors. The accords, presided over by the two nations’ foreign ministers, reflect a shift from occasional cooperative efforts to a longterm partnership.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister, at press conference in Ankara. (SANA)
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister, at press conference in Ankara. (SANA)

Syria and Türkiye announce new phase of cooperation

9 April 2026.  Calling Turkey a reliable ally and partner in Syria’s reconstruction, Minister al-Shaibani cited shared security and strategic goals, one of which is the Four Seas Project—a planned energy corridor formed by Syria and Turkey between the Arabian Gulf and the Caspian, Mediterranean, and Black seas.Read more at:  SANA

Syria and UN convened workshop to strengthen 2027–2030 framework for sustainable development goals. (SANA)
Syria and UN convened workshop to strengthen 2027–2030 framework for sustainable development goals. (SANA)

UN team and Syrian government outline three-year development plan

7 April 2026.  Syria and UN partners discussed priorities for Syria’s sustainable development, with a focus on President al-Sharaa’s “Syria Without Camps” initiative, which aims to close camps for displaced people and enable their safe return to dignified living conditions in their home communities.Read more at:  SANA

Suweida Governor al Bakour received French envoy Jean Baptiste Faivre in Suweida, April 3, 2026. (SANA)
Suweida Governor al Bakour received French envoy Jean Baptiste Faivre in Suweida, April 3, 2026. (SANA)

French envoy engages in on the ground diplomacy in Suweida at pivotal moment

6 April 2026.  French envoy Jean Baptiste Faivre met Suweida officials and community leaders to discuss issues of security, stability, and expanding cooperation. The meeting coincided with an allegedly imminent resolution of the 2025 conflict, suggesting that France may be preparing to engage in de-escalation activities.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa greets UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo for a meeting in Damascus, April 2, 2026. (Syrian Presidency)
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa greets UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo for a meeting in Damascus, April 2, 2026. (Syrian Presidency)

UN responds to Syria’s changing needs as nation’s recovery enters development phase

3 April 2026.  The heads of the UN’s humanitarian and development agencies agreed that Syria has a growing need for development aid as it rebuilds, along with ongoing humanitarian assistance to serve millions of Syrians returning home and people displaced from conflict zones in neighboring countries.Read more at:  ENAB BALADI

Iraqi fuel tankers enter Syria, destined for the Banias refinery on the Mediterranean coast. (Syria Petroleum SPC)
Iraqi fuel tankers enter Syria, destined for the Banias refinery on the Mediterranean coast. (Syria Petroleum SPC)

Syria boosts flow of oil through overland crossings to its Mediterranean ports

2 April 2026.  As the Middle East war rages, Syria is becoming an alternative route between East and West, linking Gulf supplies of oil and gas to European markets. The Syrian Petroleum Company plans to expand its strategic role to support national interests while contributing to regional market stability.Read more at:  LEVANT 24

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hold a joint press conference in Berlin, March 30, 2026, during al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany. (Markus Schreiber:AP, AFP)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hold a joint press conference in Berlin, March 30, 2026, during al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany. (Markus Schreiber:AP, AFP)

Meeting in Berlin reflects Syria’s unique relationship with Germany, plus growing cooperation between Syria and Europe

31 March 2026.  Thanking Germany for hosting many thousands of Syrians during the revolution, President Al-Sharaa and Chancellor Merz began talks on a ‘circular migration framework,’ enabling skilled Syrian professionals in Germany to help rebuild Syria while maintaining ties to Germany.Read more at:  LEVANT24Read more at:  SYRIANOBSERVER

During Eid prayers at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, March 20, 2026, President addresses the current state of recovery. (L: Syrian Arab Republic Presidency, R: L24)
During Eid prayers at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, March 20, 2026, President addresses the current state of recovery. (L: Syrian Arab Republic Presidency, R: L24)

Syria is becoming a force for stability and security, states President

20 March 2026.  Speaking to a gathering at Eid, the President highlighted Syria’s economic achievements, recovery plans, and its role in creating stability. “Syria has moved into a new phase,” he said, “transforming from a conflict arena into a force contributing to stability and security both internally and regionally.”Read more at:  ENABBALADISee also: LEVANT24

Syria opens its first women’s police training institute, marking a decisive step toward expanding women’s leadership in national security. (SANA)
Syria opens its first women’s police training institute, marking a decisive step toward expanding women’s leadership in national security. (SANA)

Syria expands women’s role in law enforcement and security with new training institute

14 March 2026.  A women’s police institute was inaugurated to strengthen female participation in Syria’s law enforcement through training in modern policing, legal studies, and field operations, in a major step toward women’s participation in community policing.Read more at:  SANA

A UNHCR (UN High Commission for Refugees) staff member assists a man arriving from Lebanon at the Jdaidet Yabous border crossing in Syria. (Ola Kabalan:UNHCR)
A UNHCR (UN High Commission for Refugees) staff member assists a man arriving from Lebanon at the Jdaidet Yabous border crossing in Syria. (Ola Kabalan:UNHCR)

UN agency supports rising number of Syrians returning home from Lebanon since outbreak of war

10 March 2026.  Over 80,000 Syrians have returned from Lebanon since March 2nd, leaving behind lives in exile and all belongings. UNHCR is expanding its presence at major crossings, coordinating with Syrian authorities to support arrivals fleeing sudden violence and seeking safety with family.Read more at:  LEVANT24

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa participates in a video conference addressing threats to the region, March 9, 2026. (Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa participates in a video conference addressing threats to the region, March 9, 2026. (Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic)

President al-Sharaa joins emergency meeting on Middle East crisis with regional and European leaders

9 March 2026.  During the video conference called by European leaders, Syria’s president spoke of threats to regional stability and energy routes, calling the escalation of war “an existential threat to the entire region.” He said Damascus was coordinating with regional governments to establish a unified position.Read more at:  LEVANT24