Syria Positioned as Strategic Corridor Linking Gulf, Central Asia with Europe: President Al-Sharaa
President Ahmad Al-Sharaa emphasizes Syria's potential to become a secure corridor connecting regions at an informal EU meeting in Nicosia.
Nicosia: President Ahmad Al-Sharaa highlighted the significance of Syria as a strategic corridor linking the Gulf, Central Asia with Europe during an informal meeting of the European Union and regional partners held in Nicosia.
Speaking at a press conference following the summit, Al-Sharaa underscored that this gathering represented a moment of political and strategic maturity reflective of a new geopolitical reality beyond traditional frameworks of cooperation.
The president emphasized the interconnection between security in Europe and stability in the region, advocating for a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility among Mediterranean and regional states.
He noted that current global challenges, such as disruptions to trade routes and risks associated with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, necessitate the development of new regional strategies aimed at safeguarding supply chains and enhancing economic resilience.
Al-Sharaa stressed the mutual dependence between Europe and Syria in this context, stating that an Arab-European Mediterranean partnership is essential for sustaining energy flows and ensuring global supplies.
He called upon the international community to address continued Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty, including ground incursions, airstrikes, and breaches affecting its territory and airspace.
These actions violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and international law, according to Al-Sharaa, undermining Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts as well as regional stability.
The president urged decisive action to compel Israel to cease its attacks immediately.
In this vein, he introduced the Four Seas Initiative and Nine Corridors Initiative aimed at positioning Syria as a secure alternative artery connecting Central Asia and the Gulf with Europe.
Al-Sharaa stated that Friday's meeting laid the groundwork for a broader milestone in Brussels on May 11, where Syria and the EU are expected to commence a high-level political dialogue.
The meeting took place at the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia, with Syrian President Al-Sharaa participating by invitation from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Speaking at a press conference following the summit, Al-Sharaa underscored that this gathering represented a moment of political and strategic maturity reflective of a new geopolitical reality beyond traditional frameworks of cooperation.
The president emphasized the interconnection between security in Europe and stability in the region, advocating for a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility among Mediterranean and regional states.
He noted that current global challenges, such as disruptions to trade routes and risks associated with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, necessitate the development of new regional strategies aimed at safeguarding supply chains and enhancing economic resilience.
Al-Sharaa stressed the mutual dependence between Europe and Syria in this context, stating that an Arab-European Mediterranean partnership is essential for sustaining energy flows and ensuring global supplies.
He called upon the international community to address continued Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty, including ground incursions, airstrikes, and breaches affecting its territory and airspace.
These actions violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and international law, according to Al-Sharaa, undermining Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts as well as regional stability.
The president urged decisive action to compel Israel to cease its attacks immediately.
In this vein, he introduced the Four Seas Initiative and Nine Corridors Initiative aimed at positioning Syria as a secure alternative artery connecting Central Asia and the Gulf with Europe.
Al-Sharaa stated that Friday's meeting laid the groundwork for a broader milestone in Brussels on May 11, where Syria and the EU are expected to commence a high-level political dialogue.
The meeting took place at the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia, with Syrian President Al-Sharaa participating by invitation from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and European Council President Antonio Costa.
