Highlights of the speech delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, during a press conference with his Croatian counterpart

Highlights of the speech delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, during a press conference with his Croatian counterpart:

• Damascus welcomes the visit of Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, marking an important milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in Syrian-Croatian relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

• Syria appreciates Croatia's historic stance in 2011 in rejecting the repression of the ousted regime and its solidarity with the Syrian people during their most difficult moments. Today, Syria considers Croatia a key partner in the process of reconstruction and rebuilding.

• Cooperation with the Croatian side in several areas like: Reconstruction, energy, economic development, industry, transitional justice, refugee return, and international cooperation were discussed.

• The discussions focused on encouraging investment and trade and promoting joint projects, which will deepen economic ties between Syria and Croatia and complement our economic integration.

• Syria seeks to benefit from Croatia's experience in post-war reconstruction, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, urban planning, and housing, to help Syrians return to their homes with dignity.

• Syria reiterates its condemnation of the recent Israeli attacks targeting military sites in Homs, Palmyra, and Latakia, as well as the attacks targeting the Qatari capital, Doha. We affirm that these attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international law and threaten regional and international stability. We call on the international community to hold Israel accountable.

• The refugee issue is a sensitive one, and Syria, despite its capabilities, is working to improve their situation abroad and secure a suitable environment for their return according to a strategic, not random, plan. Israel's attacks constitute an obstacle to their return.

• This visit confirms that the will and resilience of peoples can create a better future. Through sincere partnerships with friends like Croatia, Syria is confidently moving toward peace, stability, and prosperity.