A diplomatic source from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates disclosed that a high-level Syrian delegation, led by Minister Asaad Al-Shibani and including heads of general and military intelligence, met with a senior Israeli delegation on Sunday. The meeting, facilitated by the US and hosted in Jordan, aimed at reducing escalation and supporting stability in Syria and the broader region.
The source told SANA news agency that the meeting followed recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territories and increasing tensions in the south of the country. Discussions centered on establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests, and targeting, and reviving negotiations to reach a security agreement that could serve as a foundation for a more comprehensive future accord.
“Sovereign State”
The Syrian side emphasized during the meeting that Syria is a sovereign state with the full right to rebuild and develop its national army and to determine its alliances and partnerships in line with its national interests, refusing any arrangements that could restrict these sovereign rights.
The Syrian delegation reiterated its firm stance that the occupied Golan Heights is Syrian territory, asserting that discussing its final status remains premature at this stage. The immediate priority is the withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-January 8, 2024, lines and the full implementation of the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of supporting Syria’s stability and safeguarding regional security, including efforts to reconcile views between Turkey and Israel, and ensuring that existing tensions do not spill into Syrian territories.
The meeting focused on taking practical steps to de-escalate while exploring ways to return to the negotiation table, with Syria asserting that any security arrangements must respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights.
“Open Door to Diplomacy”
Earlier on Sunday, the Syrian Foreign Minister confirmed that Damascus anticipates resuming talks soon with Israel regarding a security agreement, which they hope will lead to Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territories. Al-Shibani urged Israel to seize this “historic opportunity,” affirming that the door is open to diplomacy.
In an interview with Reuters, Al-Shibani stressed that Damascus’ priority is halting Israeli attacks, saying it is crucial to take steps to build trust in this direction. He added, “Following the Iranian-Israeli war, negotiations were frozen, and we hope they will resume soon to complete this process.”
“No Trust in Israel”
However, he clarified that Syria currently “does not trust Israel,” noting that communications ceased after the airstrike on the Abu Al-Duhur airbase. He said, “There must be communication, especially with a party that always threatens Syria’s security, but if this communication yields no results, we don’t want it at all.”
Regarding the United States, Al-Shibani stated, “They consistently try to pressure Israel or push it towards returning to the dialogue table and reaching an agreement with Syria.” When asked about his optimism, he replied, “It’s very difficult to rely on Israel, but we have very high hopes for Syria’s relationship with its neighbors to be stable.” He added, “Today, Syria extends its hand to understandings, peace, and diplomacy, aiming to be a stable region.”
Discussing Israeli air raids targeting the Abu Al-Duhur base last Tuesday, Al-Shibani revealed that Israel bombed the base even after Syrian authorities communicated that it would not be a Turkish base. He mentioned that Syria relies on Turkish support for military training and cooperation, noting this also applies to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.
It is noteworthy that Washington has been seeking for over a year to broker a security agreement between Tel Aviv and Damascus. However, this agreement remains elusive as Israel deployed forces into Syrian territories and attacked government sites, citing security threats. It has also expanded incursions into southern Syria, setting up checkpoints and arresting Syrian citizens.