Latest news with #AhmedAl-Sharaa
Kuwait Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Zionists hit Syria after projectiles fired, hold Al-Sharaa responsible
Zionists hit Syria after projectiles fired, hold Al-Sharaa responsible Violence coincides with efforts to ease tensions CAIRO: Zionist entity has carried out its first airstrikes in Syria in nearly a month, saying it hit weapons belonging to the government in retaliation for the firing of two projectiles towards Zionist entity and holding interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa responsible. Damascus said Zionist airstrikes caused 'heavy human and material losses', reiterating that Syria does not pose a threat to any regional party and stressing the need to end the presence of armed groups and establish state control in the south. Zionist entity had not struck Syria since early May - a month marked by US President Donald Trump's meeting with Sharaa, the lifting of US sanctions, and direct Syrian-Zionist contacts to calm tensions, as reported by Reuters last week. Describing its new rulers as jihadists, Zionist entity has bombed Syria frequently this year. Zionist entity has also moved troops into areas of the southwest, where it has said it won't allow the new government's security forces to deploy. The projectiles Zionist entity reported fired from Syria were the first since longtime Syrian ruler Bashar Al-Assad was toppled. The military said the two projectiles fell in open areas. Defense Minister I Katz said he held the Syrian president 'directly responsible for any threat and fire toward the Zionist entity'. A Syrian foreign ministry statement said the accuracy of the reports of shelling towards Zionist entity had not yet been verified. 'We believe that there are many parties that may seek to destabilize the region to achieve their own interests,' the Syrian foreign ministry added, as reported by the state news agency. A Syrian official told Reuters such parties included 'remnants of Assad-era militias linked to Iran, which have long been active in the Quneitra area' and have 'a vested interest in provoking retaliation as a means of escalating tensions and undermining current stabilization efforts'. Several Arab and Palestinian media outlets circulated a claim of responsibility from a little-known group named 'Martyr Muhammad Deif Brigades,' an apparent reference to Hamas' military leader who was killed in an airstrike in 2024. Reuters could not independently verify the statement. The Syrian state news agency and security sources reported strikes targeting sites in the Damascus countryside and Quneitra and Daraa provinces. Local residents contacted by Reuters said shelling targeted agricultural areas in the Wadi Yarmouk region. They described increased tensions in recent weeks, including reported incursions into villages, where residents have reportedly been barred from sowing their crops. A Zionist airstrike also hit a former Syrian army base near the city of Izraa, a Syrian source said. Zionist entity has said its goals in Syria include protecting the Druze, a religious minority with followers in both countries. Zionist entity, which has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since the 1967 Middle East war, bombed Syria frequently during the last decade of Assad's rule, targeting the sway of his Iranian allies. The newly-appointed US envoy to Syria said last week he believed peace between Syria and Zionist entity was achievable. Around the same time that Zionist entity reported the projectiles from Syria, the military said it intercepted a missile from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said they targeted Jaffa with a ballistic missile. The group says it has been launching attacks against Zionist entity in support of Palestinians during the war in Gaza. — Reuters
Kuwait Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement
Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement KUWAIT: The official visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and his accompanying delegation to Kuwait Sunday carries special significance in the context of Kuwaiti-Syrian relations. During the visit, he held official talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affirming Kuwait's steadfast and supportive stance toward Syria, its people, unity, and full sovereignty over its territory. Formal diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Syria were established on October 24, 1963, with Syria opening its first embassy in Kuwait. This was soon followed by the opening of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Damascus, marking a new phase of constructive cooperation and joint coordination on Arab and international issues. Over six decades, these relations have witnessed fruitful collaboration across various fields. However, between 2012 and 2024, relations were interrupted due to the security situation in Syria. On March 15, 2012, Kuwait announced the closure of its embassy in Damascus, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) position and due to deteriorating security conditions. Kuwaiti diplomats were instructed to leave Syria, and remaining Kuwaiti citizens were urged to depart swiftly. On December 30 of last year, ties witnessed a significant development with the visit of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya to Damascus in his capacity as Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council—a step reflecting the GCC's commitment to regional security and stability. Following his meeting with Syria's new head of government, President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Al-Yahya stated that the visit delivered a message of solidarity from the GCC, affirming its unwavering position on the importance of preserving Syria's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and rejecting external interference in its internal affairs. HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah meet Syrian officials during their visit to Kuwait. Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah waves goodbye to Syria's President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. — Photos by Kuwait's Amiri Diwan and SANA / AFP Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah welcomes Ahmed Al-Sharaa at Bayan Palace in Kuwaiti City on June 1, 2025. He also noted that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had directed the provision of urgent food and medical aid to the Syrian people in response to the pressing humanitarian situation. That same day, Kuwait launched the first flights of a humanitarian air bridge to support the Syrian people, in line with Kuwait's leading humanitarian role and its commitment to alleviating suffering and expressing solidarity with Syrians. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, tasked with managing the air bridge, stated that the aid aims to address shortages in supplies and provide basic necessities to help Syrians meet their daily living needs. Over the past decades, leaders and high-level officials from both countries have engaged in reciprocal visits, including delegations of businesspeople and investors, with the goal of strengthening cooperation across sectors, sharing successful experiences, and exchanging expertise to advance development in both nations. Kuwait and Syria are linked by numerous agreements and memoranda of cooperation, particularly in the economic, commercial, scientific, and technical fields. Since 1969, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has financed several development projects in Syria, especially in transportation, water, energy, industry, and communications. Syria also contributed to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 by dispatching troops as part of the international coalition in implementation of United Nations resolutions. Kuwait, in turn, has repeatedly affirmed its support for Syria's efforts to regain its occupied Golan Heights. Kuwait took a clear stance on the Syrian crisis that began in 2011. It called, through the UN Security Council, for an end to war crimes, the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, and the lifting of sieges on civilian areas. Kuwait expressed grave concern over the continued use of heavy and internationally banned weapons against innocent civilians. It strongly condemned the forced displacement of the Syrian people and repeated attacks on medical facilities and civilian infrastructure, including airstrikes. Kuwait has stressed the need for international action to end the violence in Syria. Kuwait hosted the first three international donor conferences to support the humanitarian situation in Syria in 2013, 2014, and 2015, raising significant pledges—over 90 percent of which were fulfilled. In February 2016, Kuwait co-chaired the fourth donor conference with the UK, hosted in London, focusing on Syria and support for neighboring countries bearing the burden of the crisis. Kuwait has continued to participate in subsequent donor conferences, most recently the Brussels Conference hosted by the European Union in March this year. The conference was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and featured high-level international, Arab, and regional participation. Through KFAED, the Kuwait Red Crescent, and various Kuwaiti charities, Kuwait has provided significant humanitarian aid to displaced Syrians inside the country and to refugees in neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Over the past five months, Kuwait has reaffirmed through numerous statements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs its consistent position supporting Syria's unity and full sovereignty. It stressed the importance of international solidarity and stepped-up humanitarian and development efforts to support the Syrian people and ease their suffering. On December 9, 2024, Kuwait condemned the Zionist entity's occupation forces' takeover of the buffer zone on the Syrian border, calling it a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. On May 2, it also condemned an airstrike launched by those forces near the presidential palace in Damascus, again calling it a clear violation of Syrian sovereignty. On May 13, Kuwait welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement lifting sanctions on Syria. On May 21, Kuwait welcomed the European Union's decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria, describing it as an important step toward rebuilding the country and meeting its people's aspirations for development and prosperity. — KUNA
Arab Times
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Welcome the man of Syria who knows how to govern
HIS Excellency Syrian President Ahmed Al- Sharaa, welcome to Kuwait. We welcome this extraordinary political figure who, from the first moment, has known how to draw a roadmap for the renaissance of Syria, this great country whose people have always been known for their professionalism and honest pursuit of livelihood throughout the world. Everyone knows that Syria has no debts. When you came to power, you did not raise flimsy slogans that could tempt some and of no consequence, especially those raised by the previous regime such as 'Free Jerusalem' or 'Free World.' You did not say 'we would throw Israel into the sea or unite the Arab world.' From the beginning, you rather focused on the establishment of healthy and smooth relations with the whole world, because you practice 'realpolitik'. This is why we have witnessed the entire world's acceptance of the new Syrian government. Moreover, you intelligently and shrewdly dealt with Israel's aggressive practices. You put Tel Aviv in your 'box', because of your desire for just peace. All Arabs who love Syria will never forget that Ahmed Al-Sharaa cleansed Syria of groups seeking to change its cultural and social ideology. He also freed it from Iranian infl uence, which alienated the beating heart of Arabism from its surroundings. Dirty hands worked to divide its people into sectarian clans and denominational states. If we say that Syria was liberated from this, it was thanks to a man who viewed its people solely through a national lens, who did not favor any group, despise or marginalize another. Instead, he sought to unite his people on a common opinion, despite some of the frustrations caused by the remnants of the former ruling gangs. These remnants sabotaged the healthy relationships that existed before the previous regime rose to power, while spreading corruption until it became rampant and eroded the State's strength. Welcome to Kuwait. Kuwaiti people have known Syria throughout history and they love it deeply. They did not distance themselves from Syria, but the gangs of the former regime tried their best to isolate Syria from its Arab nation. Today, Syria reoccupied its rightful place among the Arab world, thanks to a man who knows how to govern and deal with various components of his people, without any fuss or creating crises; like those the former regime used to cover up conspiracies against Syrians, aimed at achieving personal interests or diverting attention from the corruption and problems that led to the impoverishment of the people. Undoubtedly, Syria will return to its former glory, thanks to its brave people who will not fail to reconstruct and develop their country armed by determination and strong will.
Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Syria signs $7 billion power deal with Qatar's UCC Holding-led consortium
Damascus Under the patronage of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Syrian government has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium of international companies led by UCC Holding to develop major power generation projects, with a foreign investment valued at approximately $7 billion. This initiative aligns with the national agenda to rebuild Syria's core infrastructure, enhance energy security, and support economic development. It reflects the President's clear direction toward establishing a development model based on self-reliance, regional cooperation, and long-term sustainability. The signing ceremony took place in Damascus, in the presence of Mr. Tom Barrack, U. S. Special Envoy for Syria; His Excellency Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif, Chargé d'Affaires at the Qatari Embassy in Damascus; and His Excellency Burhan Koroglu, Turkish Ambassador to Syria. The agreement was signed by Mr. Mohamed Moutaz Al-Khyyat, Chairman of UCC Holding; Mr. Mehmet Cengiz, Chairman of Cengiz Energy; Mr. Orhan Cemal Kalyoncu, Chairman of Kalyon Energy; and Mr. Mazen Al-Sbeti, CEO of Power International USA. The signing was also attended by a number of managers and representatives from the companies, including Mr. Ramez Al-Khyyat, President & CEO of UCC Holding; Mr. Mohamed Al-Khyyat, Board Member of UCC Concessions Investments; Mr. Ahmet Cengiz, Vice Chairman of Cengiz Energy; and Mr. Lutfi Elvan, CEO of Kalyon Energy." The consortium is led by UCC Holding, through its subsidiary UCC Concessions Investment, a Qatari company specializing in energy concessions and Construction. The consortium includes: • Power International USA LLC– American company specializing in strategic energy investments • Kalyon GES Enerji Yatırımları A.Ş. – Turkish renewable energy investor and developer • Cengiz Enerji San. ve Tic. A.Ş. – Turkish energy development and operation company This strategic alliance reflects the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in supporting Syria's economic recovery and contributing to the reconstruction of a renewed Syrian state through impactful initiatives aimed at energizing the national economy and advancing the country's path toward power self-sufficiency. The agreement covers the development of four combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants in Traifawi (Homs), Zayzoun (Hama), Deir-Azzour, and Mehardeh (Hama), with an approximate installed generation capacity of 4,000 MW, using American and European technologies, and a 1,000 MW solar power plant in Wedian Alrabee, located in the southern region of Syria. These projects will be implemented under Build-Own-Operate (BOO) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models with the corresponding power purchase agreements. Construction is expected to begin following final agreements and financial close, with completion targeted within 3 years for the gas plants and less than 2 years for the solar plant. Mr. Tom Barrack, USSpecial Envoy for Syria, said: "This agreement represents a landmark step in Syria's path to reconstruction and energy security. As President Trump said, we are working with our partners for a prosperous and stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbours. This partnership is a key step towards that goal, along with the President's lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria. This consortium, led by Qatar, will promote stability, infrastructure development, and economic recovery and deliver tangible results for the Syrian people. As President Trump has said, and Secretary Rubio is implementing, our goal is to enable 'commerce, not chaos.' His Excellency Mohammed Al Bashir, Minister of Energy of the Syrian Arab Republic, said: "This agreement marks a crucial step in Syria's infrastructure recovery plan. It will strengthen our national grid, expand access to electricity, and help meet growing demand through partnerships that combine international expertise with local priorities." MrRamez Al Khayyat, President and Group CEO of UCC Holding, said: 'This MoU reflects our vision for sustainable and impactful infrastructure development in the region. We are proud to lead this initiative through our concession arm, in collaboration with our consortium partners. These projects represent a model of effective public-private partnership, integrating both conventional and renewable power solutions to support Syria's energy transition and long-term economic resilience. Cemal Kalyoncu, the Chairman of Kalyon Holding, stated: "As Türkiye's largest investor in renewable energy, we are proud to contribute to the development and improvement of the infrastructure of our neighboring country, Syria, through this project." MrMehmet Cengiz, Chairman of Cengiz Holding, said: "As leading private energy companies in Türkiye, we bring a quarter-century of experience in building and operating power facilities across multiple regions. We are confident this partnership will deliver reliable and efficient power solutions for Syria." Upon completion, the projects are expected to supply over 50% of Syria's national electricity needs, representing a transformative leap toward energy security, economic revival, and infrastructure resilience. This initiative goes beyond grid stability, aiming to deliver widespread social and economic impact through: • End power shortages by increasing generation capacity to meet the growing demand of households, industries, and businesses. • Drive economic growth by providing reliable energy to critical sectors such as industry, agriculture, healthcare, and education. • Create thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and long-term operations, contributing to workforce development. • Improve daily life through enhanced public services, education systems, and overall quality of life. • Enable regional integration by opening channels for future cross-border energy trade. • Support the transition to renewables by laying the foundation for large-scale solar and clean energy projects. Together, these developments mark a pivotal contribution to Syria's rebuilding journey and long-term prosperity.
Memri
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Pro-Hizbullah Daily: Southern Syrian Tribes Seeking Weapons, Training From Parties In Turkey To Confront Israel, Syrian Government
On May 24, 2025, the pro-Hizbullah Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar published an article which quoted "field sources" in southern Syria's Daraa governorate, who claimed that "security tensions" have increased in the area due to the incursions of Israeli forces and fears of a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) cells, which were previously active in the area under the name Jaysh Khalid bin Al-Walid (JKBW).[1] Daraa's "complicated tribal nature," according to Al-Akhbar, had enabled ISIS to establish a presence among some tribes, who often possess personal weapons.[2] In addition, Al-Akhbar noted growing discontent with interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Daraa due to his April dissolution of the Eighth Brigade headed by Ahmad Al-Awda, who still enjoys "popularity" in southern Syria, as well as the government's lack of a "firm stance" regarding "repeated Israeli incursions." Al-Sharaa's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, which raised speculations that Syria may join the Abraham Accords, and the Syrian leader's remarks about "peace," were met with "widespread rejection" in southern Syria, according to the pro-Hizbullah daily. Al-Akhbar claimed that many locals feel that Al-Sharaa has "abandoned them religiously and ideologically" by adopting "pragmatic" rhetoric that distances Syria from the "principles of the Arab-Israeli conflict." Al-Akhbar's sources reported that some "opposition factions" are acting to hold secret meetings in Turkey, seeking to obtain weapons and training from "stakeholders in the Syrian issue," in preparation for future confrontation with the Syrian government if it "continues its steps toward normalization" with Israel, or to take independent action against Israeli forces if government inaction persists. While locals appreciate Al-Sharaa's efforts to preserve Syria's unity and pursue "security cells," they reject any ties to Israel, and "tribal voices" have compared Al-Sharaa negatively with Assad, insisting that "the former regime, despite its drawbacks, would never remain silent to the Israeli incursions." The Lebanese daily warned that "various approaches" are needed to guarantee southern Syria's stability, so that the area does not "slide … into chaos" again. The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Formidable in Might militia is active in southern Syria and has claimed small-scale operations against Israeli forces in the area.[3] Israeli actions in Syria have been met with anger among Syrian jihadis, who have called for armed jihad against Israel.[4]
