Ahmad Al-Shar'a from Aleppo Citadel: The end of war and the beginning of the battle of construction.

Mr. President Ahmed Al-Shar'a, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, arrived in Aleppo yesterday morning to participate in the national mass event "Aleppo, the Key to Victory," held at the Aleppo Citadel in the presence of thousands of citizens, field commanders, representatives of resistance factions, and national figures.

In a moment filled with symbolism, President Al-Shar'a entered the Aleppo Citadel, which had witnessed the city's resilience, and delivered a comprehensive speech saying: "O sons of Aleppo, you who inscribed the lines of glory with pure blood, wove the sails of courage from patience, and crafted the strands of honor and dignity from the sweat of struggle."

He continued: "Today we meet on the soil of heroic Aleppo, this city that did not bend to the wind, nor succumb to the storm, but stood as the fortress, the wall, the witness to resilience."

The President pointed out that the liberation battle of Aleppo was a pivotal moment in the Syrian revolution, stating: "I was certain that the liberation of Aleppo is the key to victory. We prepared and mobilized our armies, and we did not wage a war as we did for Aleppo. With trust in Allah and as our forces began advancing towards its walls, the enemy's fortifications began to crumble."

He added: "When the heroes entered its first alleys, I turned to my comrades and said: 'This is a moment nations create once every century.' Yes, it was a great moment in history when I saw Damascus from the walls of the Aleppo Citadel."

Speaking about the symbolism of the return, he said: "On this day two years ago, I said: 'I see you in Aleppo as I see you now, and we do not deserve this shield unless we return to Aleppo.' Here we are fulfilling the promise, returning to you to bring you good news, saying Aleppo will be the greatest economic beacon in the region."

He continued, saying: "Our war with the tyrants has ended, and our battle against poverty has begun. Restrictions on Syrians have been lifted, burdens have been eased, development obstacles have been removed, and Syria has regained its status in the region and the world."

He added: "See how your name is being mentioned in international forums, and how the Syrian is now esteemed and respected after being pushed away, deprived of rights, left to his fate between killing and displacement."

In reference to important political developments, the President affirmed that international support and lifting sanctions are not mere political courtesy but a natural entitlement for Syrians, saying: "What we see in terms of support from brothers and friends and the lifting of sanctions is not a matter of political courtesy, but a entitlement earned by Syrians through sacrifices and heroism."

It is worth mentioning that the European Union countries approved yesterday the lifting of sanctions on Syria, and the decision will come into effect early Wednesday, in a step described by diplomats as the actual beginning of a phase of full normalization and economic openness.

President Al-Shar'a concluded his speech with a unifying national message: "O great Syrian people, the battle of reconstruction has just begun, let us all unite and seek help from Allah to create a bright future for a distinguished country and a deserving people. You will find us as you have known us, sincere supporters, our determination unwavering, our will unyielding with the help of Allah.

Let our motto be as we raised it before: We will not rest or relax until we rebuild Syria anew and proudly showcase it to the world."