The head of state: Syria enters a new phase after the lifting of sanctions and the start of reconstruction.

In a poignant speech addressed to the Syrian people, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmed Al-Shar'a, reviewed painful episodes from Syria's recent history under the rule of the ousted regime, where innocents were killed, millions were displaced, thousands disappeared in dark prisons, and the country turned into a hostile environment, shunned by siblings, neighbors, and the international community. The President emphasized that the state's resources were plundered, and Syria, once a cradle of civilization, became estranged from its history, lagging behind advanced nations. President Al-Shar'a explained that a glimmer of hope emerged from Idlib, amidst the blessed Syrian revolution, where the foundations of a new Syria were laid, signs of liberation began to appear, joy spread in the hearts of Syrians and their brothers in neighboring countries and the world, restoring a sense of belonging and renewing faith in a free Syria. The President stressed that the past six months were crucial, setting priorities for healing the country's wounds, from preserving internal unity and civil peace, to ensuring security, disarming, forming a government, and an electoral committee. He also highlighted significant political steps, such as the constitutional declaration, the national conference, abolishing oppressive laws, liberalizing the market, evaluating state institutions, and addressing areas of dysfunction. These actions were accompanied by intensive diplomatic efforts to introduce the world to the new reality of Syria, participating in major international forums and conferences, raising its flag at the United Nations, reopening closed doors, and restoring relations with Arab and Western countries. The President recounted his regional and international meetings, starting with his visit to Riyadh and meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to work on lifting sanctions on Syria, praising the genuine love he felt from the Saudi people. He also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, commending Turkey's hosting of millions of Syrians for fourteen years, and discussed his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, describing him as having a steadfast and honorable stance alongside the Syrian people. He mentioned his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the President of the United Arab Emirates, who promptly supported Syria and opened doors for its people, with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain being the first to congratulate Syria on its liberation, alongside signals of support from Kuwaiti leaders, Oman, and King Abdullah II of Jordan, who warmly welcomed him and expressed supportive positions. The President noted the support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his clear interest in Syria's revival, as well as positive stances from Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Yemen, and Iraq, with Sudanese Prime Minister Mohamed Sheykh Al-Sudani expressing a desire to restore Syrian-Iraqi relations. On the international front, the President confirmed his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who early on expressed support for lifting sanctions, followed by similar stances from Germany, Italy, Spain, and even Britain, which swiftly made the same decision. He emphasized that this international shift would not have happened without the unity and sacrifices of Syrians, rallying around their new state, and the interaction of Syrian communities abroad, playing a pivotal role in influencing global public opinion. He affirmed that today bears the fruit of this struggle and unity, not only in lifting sanctions but also in the return of sincere brotherly sentiments among peoples. He singled out the sincere positions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Erdogan, Sheikh Tamim, Sheikh bin Zayed, and all leaders who showed love and loyalty to Syria. He announced that U.S. President Donald Trump responded to these sentiments, making a brave and historic decision to lift sanctions on Syria. Addressing the Syrian people, he stated that the road ahead is still long, but serious work has begun, and the modern Syrian renaissance has begun. He pledged that Syria will be a land of peace and collaboration, open to all investors from within and outside the country, Arab and Turkish brothers, and friends worldwide, inviting them to contribute to reconstruction and development opportunities in various sectors. He affirmed that the new Syria will not be a battleground for influence or a platform for external ambitions, it will not be divided, and the narratives of the previous regime to fragment the people will not return. He stressed that Syria belongs to all Syrians, with their various sects and races, and coexistence is a historical legacy that cannot be compromised, rejecting divisions that have always been a result of external interventions and are categorically rejected today. The President concluded his speech by emphasizing that hardships have taught Syrians that their strength lies in their unity, and the path to revival is only worshipped through unity and hard work. He vowed not to forget the martyrs and the wounded, standing by those who have lost loved ones, ensuring they are present in every step towards the future, affirming that Syria is moving forward today towards progress, knowledge, and work, with unwavering confidence and will