Latest news with #AhmadAl-Sharaa
Leaders
a day ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Syria to Hold First Parliamentary Elections in September Since Assad's Fall
Syria is set to hold parliamentary elections in September, marking the first elections under the new government after the fall of Bashar Assad, according to Reuters. The Chairman of the Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections, Mohammed Taha Al-Ahmad, told state news agency SANA that elections will kick off between Sept. 15 and 20. Crucially, Syria's Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa will appoint one third of the 210 seats while the rest will be elected. Syria's Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa In March, Al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution called for the establishment of a People's Committee to serve as an interim parliament until the Syria adopts a permanent constitution and holds general elections, a move that may take years. The announcement of impeding elections comes at a crucial time as Syria witnessed sectarian violence in the southern province of Sweida earlier this month. On Friday, Syria's Foreign Minister held frank and productive talks with the United States and France in Paris, according to Arab News. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani met with French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot and US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack to discuss Syria's political transition. During the meeting, they underscored the significance of engaging quickly to ensure the success of Syria's political transition after the fall of President Bashar Assad. In a joint statement, they also agreed on the necessity of ensuring that Syria's neighbors do not pose a threat and that Syria does not pose a threat to its neighbors. Related Topics: Syria, US and France Hold Frank, Productive Talks in Paris High-level Saudi Delegation Eyes Investment Opportunities in Syria Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum: $6.4bn Worth of Deals Signed to Support Reconstruction Short link : Post Views: 78
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus
In a symbolic and strategic move, Syria and Saudi Arabia took a major step toward deepening economic ties this week with the launch of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held at the People's Palace in Damascus. The event brought together top officials from both countries, including Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, along with over 120 Saudi investors and business leaders. The forum marks the most significant Saudi economic delegation to visit Syria in over a decade, and comes amid a broader push by Damascus to attract regional and international investment to rebuild the war-torn country. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Osama Qadi, Senior Advisor to Syria's Ministry of Economy and Industry, described the forum as a turning point. 'Saudi Arabia is helping to write a new chapter in Syria's economic history,' he said. 'The Kingdom is not only a political and security partner, it will be remembered as the driving force behind what could become Syria's economic miracle.' Qadi said Saudi Arabia's presence signaled deep trust in Syria's post-conflict potential. 'This initial delegation of over 120 Saudi business leaders is just the beginning,' he noted. 'Minister Al-Falih has committed to encouraging investment not only from the Kingdom but from countries across the globe.' According to Qadi, Saudi investments send a powerful signal to the international business community that Syria is stable and open for investment. 'The presence of Saudi capital builds trust,' he said. 'It shows that Syria is safe, serious about reform, and prepared to welcome global partnerships.' He emphasized that the large-scale destruction resulting from years of conflict has created opportunities in reconstruction, particularly for real estate developers, contractors, and urban planners. In this context, he said: 'The ruins can be rebuilt into a modern Syria... Before 2011, Syria already had widespread informal housing. Now, we have the opportunity to design cities with green spaces, modern infrastructure, and sustainable architecture - all while preserving local heritage.' Qadi added that the Syrian government sees this as a chance to rebuild in line with global standards. 'Together with our partners, we can build a Syria of 2025, with smart cities, environmentally friendly construction, and livable communities for the next generation,' he underlined. The timing of the forum, he noted, sends a strong political message to skeptics. 'Even as some areas of the country, like Sweida, remain unstable and US lawmakers debate the future of the Caesar Act sanctions, this forum shows that serious investors believe in Syria's future,' he remarked. Qadi expressed hope that Saudi engagement would trigger a ripple effect, saying: 'Together with the Kingdom, we can attract the largest number of investors, companies, and projects. This will create jobs and help Syria become one of the region's most attractive investment destinations.' At a press conference Wednesday night, Syrian Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa officially launched the forum under the auspices of the Supreme Council for Economic Development and in partnership with the Syrian Investment Agency. Al-Mustafa praised Saudi Arabia's role as 'a key player in the Arab regional order and a very important global actor.' He also highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries. 'Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the hearts of all Syrians. That's why President Al-Sharaa's first official visit abroad was to Riyadh. Syria received a warm welcome and a clear signal of Saudi commitment to our recovery,' the minister stated. Al-Mustafa further said the forum reflects Syria's readiness to turn the page. 'After decades of authoritarian rule and economic stagnation, Damascus is now presenting itself as a serious opportunity for investors. The soil is fertile, the environment is right, and we welcome all those who want to be part of Syria's renewal,' he affirmed.
Memri
5 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Turkey-Based Egyptian Islamist Scholar Wagdy Ghoneim on Backdrop of Suwayda Massacres: The Druze Are Infidels and Traitors; They Hid Officers from Assad's Army, Are Coordinating with the Jews; Anyone
On the backdrop of the current massacres of the Druze in Suwayda, Syria by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's forces, Turkey-based Egyptian Islamist scholar Wagdy Ghoneim said in a video that was posted to YouTube by Imam Al-Din Al-Dahdouh on July 19, 2025 that the Druze are infidels and traitors. He said that they had been hiding officers who had served in deposed Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad's army, that they got paid millions for this, that they have been coordinating with the Jews, and that they have attacked Muslims and mutilated their corpses. He prayed that Allah unite the Druze and the Jews in Hell, saying that anybody who can go fight them will be rewarded by Allah. He added: 'Pray that Allah enables me to go myself.'
Memri
6 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
WARNING – GRAPHIC: Footage Of Druze Victims Of Suwayda Massacre In Southern Syria
This clip is a compilation of footage posted to various social media accounts on July 18, 2025 showing the bodies of Druze victims of the Suwayda massacres in southern Syria. The videos show a large number of bodies thrown in the street, and the people collecting the bodies can be heared accusing Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's forces and cursing Al-Sharaa. Viewer discretion is advised. Speaker: "Oh mother... this child. Oh mother... this boy, his bones have turned to stone. Oh mother... this boy... may God give strength to your family. A cover... please, someone bring a cover. Does anyone know this boy? May God have mercy on you."
Saudi Gazette
22-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia allows special travel permits for business visits to Syria
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Embassy in Damascus has announced the introduction of special travel permits for businesspeople and investors from both Saudi Arabia and Syria, paving the way for renewed economic engagement and investment exploration between the two countries. The move marks a notable shift in bilateral economic relations, following Saudi Arabia's 2015 decision to ban travel to Syria due to deteriorating security and political conditions at the time. This latest development coincides with the visit of a Saudi business delegation to Syria over the past two days, where they met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and other senior officials. The permits are expected to facilitate broader investment cooperation amid warming diplomatic ties and the ongoing normalization of official relations between Riyadh and Damascus.
