Matthew Dannoun

Damascus, Aug. 27 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 164 of 2026 on Thursday, appointing Mustafa Khalil Abdi, known as Mazloum Abdi, as an adviser to the Presidency of the Republic. Source: SANA Syrian Arab News Agency 

Damascus, Jan.20 (SANA) President Ahmad Al-Sharaa conducted phone call on Tuesday with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, during which they exchanged views on regional and international developments, particularly the latest developments in Syria. The two sides underscored Syria’s unity and sovereignty, and highlighted the strength of the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to advance them in a manner that serves their mutual interests. They also reiterated the importance of dialogue and boosting cooperation to achieve regional security and stability. SANA 

Damascus, Jan.20 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa conducted phone call with Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, during which they reviewed the latest regional developments and ways to promote stability and security. President al-Sharaa affirmed that the full rights of Kurds are guaranteed, including national, political and civil rights. Barzani, for his part, voiced his support for the recent agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The two sides agreed on maintaining coordination and continued consultation to ensure peace and security in the region and to address differences in a manner that serves the interests of all parties. SANA 

Damascus, Jan.20 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa conducted a phone call on Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, during which they discussed exchanged views on regional developments, particularly in northern and eastern Syria, and addressed issues of mutual interest. The two sides stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty, emphasizing the need to secure the Syrian-Iraqi border and intensify joint efforts to maintain security and stability. They also agreed on activating border crossings and government institutions in a way that contributes to enhancing stability and improving services. The call further highlighted the importance of strengthening joint security coordination and cooperation in confronting terrorist organizations, foremost among them Daesh, to safeguard the security and stability of the region. SANA 

Damascus, Jan. 20 (SANA) The Syrian presidency said on Tuesday that it has reached a shared understanding with the SDF on a number of issues related to the future of al-Hasakah province in northeast Syria. In a statement received by SANA, the presidency said it was agreed to grant the SDF four days for consultations in order to develop a detailed plan for the practical mechanism of integrating the areas. The statement said that if agreement is reached, Syrian forces will not enter the centers of the cities of al-Hasakah and Qamishli and will remain on their outskirts, with discussions to follow on the timetable and details of the peaceful integration of al-Hasakah province, including the city of Qamishli. It added that it was also agreed that Syrian military forces will not enter Kurdish villages, and that no armed forces will be present in those villages other than local security forces drawn from the residents of the area, in accordance with the agreement. The presidency said that Mr...

Damascus, Jan.19 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa held Monday a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which they discussed developments in Syria. During the call, the two presidents stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial unity and independence, and supporting all efforts aimed at achieving stability. Both sides underlined the need to guarantee the rights and protection of the Kurdish people within the framework of the Syrian state. The two leaders also agreed to continue cooperation in combating the terrorist organization Daesh and eliminating its threats. President Al-Sharaa and President Trump voiced a shared aspiration to see a strong and unified Syria capable of confronting regional and international challenges. The call also addressed a number of regional issues, with emphasis on the importance of giving Syria a new opportunity to move toward a better future. SANA 

Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa has announced a full ceasefire across northeastern Syria, urging tribal groups to de-escalate tensions, as Damascus confirmed signing provisions of a new agreement with the SDF/YPG, with final details to be completed on January 19. Under the agreement, the YPG/SDF are required to pull back to regions east of the Euphrates River, while the provinces of Deir Ezzor and Raqqa will fall under full administrative and military control of the Syrian government, state news agency SANA reported. The accord also will transfer all energy resources and border crossings to state authority, according to SANA.

Damascus, Jan.18 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa conducted a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during which they reviewed the latest developments in the region. During the call, President al-Sharaa reiterated the importance of Syria’s unity and the need to extend state sovereignty over the country’s entire territory. The two presidents also restated the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries, highlighting the importance of coordination at the highest levels and consultation on issues of mutual interest. SANA 

Damascus, Jan. 18 (SANA) President Ahamad al-Sharaa signed on Sunday a Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement between the Syrian government and SDF, the agreement consists of 14 points as the following: An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts and contact lines between the Syrian Government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) along the withdrawal of all SDF military formations to the east of the Euphrates River as a preliminary step for redeployment.  The full and immediate administrative and military handover of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa governorates to the Syrian Government. This includes the transfer of all civil institutions and facilities, with the immediate issuance of decrees to permanentize current employees within the specialized ministries of the Syrian state. Integrating all civilian institutions in al-Hasakah Governorate into the institutions of the Syrian state and its administrative structures.  The Syrian Government shall take control o...

Damascus, Jan.18 (SANA) President Ahmad Al-Sharaa conducted Sunday a phone call with Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. During the call, the two sides reviewed the latest developments in Syria, while underscoring Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and stability. Barzani, for his part, commended Presidential Decree No. (13) of 2026, which guarantees the rights and specific cultural and social particularities of Kurds in Syria. SANA 

Damascus, Jan.18 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa held Sunday a phone call with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. During the call, the two leaders reviewed the current developments in Syria, while reiterating the unity, safety, and sovereignty of Syria, as well as the country’s path toward recovery. They also reviewed discussed bilateral relations between and ways to enhance cooperation at all levels, in addition to exchanging views on a number of issues of mutual interest. SANA 

Damascus, Jan. 18 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa held Sunday a phone call with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation across various fields. They also discussed the latest developments in Syria and a number of issues of mutual interest, while reiterating Syria’s unity and sovereignty over its entire territory. SANA 

Damascus, Jan.18 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa conducted Sunday a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which he outlined the latest developments in Syria. During the call, the two presidents emphasized the importance of Syria’s unity and sovereignty and rejected separatist tendencies. The two sides also agreed on the need to accelerate Syria’s reconstruction process and to create favorable conditions for economic and development projects. SANA 

Damascus, Jan. 15 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Thursday representatives of the Turkish company of DENİZCİLİK SANAYİ VE TİCARET A.Ş, following the signing of a strategic agreement to establish and operate an integrated shipyard at Tartous Port. The project aims to introduce shipbuilding, develop maritime industries and support the maritime transport sector in line with internationally-recognized standards. Head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi. SANA 

President al-Sharaa: Kurdish rights guaranteed by constitution President Ahmad al-Sharaa (SANA Photo) Damascus, Jan. 14 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa affirmed that the injustices witnessed in Syria during the decades of the deposed regime’s rule affected all segments of the Syrian population without exception. The President stressed that the post-liberation period represents a new beginning based on equal citizenship, the rule of law, and the building of state institutions. This ensures the constitutional rights of all Syrians, preserves the unity of Syrian territory, and strengthens stability and development. President al-Sharaa stated, in an interview with “Shams” TV, that the injustices that occurred over more than 60 years affected various components of Syrian society, including the Kurdish community. He emphasized that the blessed Syrian revolution saw active participation from Syrians of all affiliations, including a positive contribution from the Kurdish people. Injustices o...

Damascus, Jan. 15 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa received a phone call on Wednesday from the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which the two leaders reviewed the trajectory of the brotherly relations between the two countries and explored ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. The two sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and discussed political and security issues of mutual interest, affirming the importance of coordinating efforts to enhance stability and the adoption of dialogue as the primary means for resolving crises. Both sides stressed the importance of continued joint cooperation to address current challenges in a way that serves the national interests of both countries and fulfills the aspirations of the peoples of the region for security and stability. They affirmed the strong historic relations between the two countries and their mutual commitment to continue consultation and coordination across various fi...

Damascus, Jan. 9 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa met on Friday with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the People’s Palace in Damascus. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani was also present. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Syria and the European Union, with a focus on reconstruction and strengthening stability in Syria and the region. Talks also focused on economic partnerships, sustainable development, humanitarian issues, and migration in Europe. Both sides emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial unity and expanding political dialogue to serve the interests of the Syrian people and support a balanced and constructive partnership with the EU. Earlier in the day, the EU delegation toured Jobar neighborhood in Damascus, which was heavily damaged as a result of bombing by the deposed regime. Source: SANA 

Damascus, Jan. 6 (SANA) Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa held a phone call on Tuesday with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. During the call, the leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of economic development and investment, as well as regional developments and a number of issues of mutual interest. Source: SANA 

President Ahmad al-Sharaa extended his congratulations to the Syrian people on the occasion of the New Year. President al-Sharaa said, in a post on platform (X): “At the start of a new year, we look forward with hope and optimism to a bright future in which Syria remains united, strong, and stable, with Syrians working hand in hand in construction and development, so that prosperity, peace, and harmony prevail across all parts of the country.” President al-Sharaa concluded his message with greetings, saying: “Wishing you and Syria a blessed New Year.” Source: SANA 

Damascus, Dec.2 ( SANA) President Ahmad al‑Sharaa held a preliminary meeting on Tuesday that brought together the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) and the American company Chevron. The meeting discussed opportunities for cooperation in oil and gas exploration along the Syrian coasts. U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al‑Shaibani, SPC CEO Youssef Qablawi, as well as a delegation from Chevron that included Rank Mount, Executive Vice President for Development, Joe Koch, Regional Development Director , Mutaz al‑Khayyat, Chairman of the global UCC company and its CEO Ramez al‑Khayyat attended the meeting. Credit: SANA