Syrian Foreign Minister and Danish Counterpart Hold Joint Press Conference in Damascus

Highlights of the statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic during the joint press conference with the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs in Damascus:

• We warmly welcome the visit of the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs as an important step toward opening a new phase of dialogue, openness, and relations based on mutual respect.

• During the talks, Denmark reaffirmed its full commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Denmark also reiterated its position at the UN Security Council in support of Syria’s stability.

• The two sides discussed ways to further develop diplomatic relations and agreed to take concrete steps toward restoring diplomatic representation.

• We reaffirm that Syria is open to all its citizens, and we are fully prepared to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian refugees without any form of coercion.

• The two ministers agreed on a practical mechanism to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees from Denmark by linking return programmes with development assistance and reconstruction projects in the areas that will receive them.

• We invite Danish private-sector companies, particularly those specialised in renewable energy and wind-power technology, to invest in Syrian infrastructure and development projects.

• The two sides explored the establishment of a Syrian-Danish business and investment council aimed at promoting investment and providing support to companies wishing to operate in Syria.

• Syria strongly condemns the repeated Israeli attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and calls on the international community to adopt a firm and clear stance against these violations.

• Syria renews its firm commitment to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement in order to protect civilians and prevent any escalation or expansion of conflict in the region