Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa reaffirmed his country's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as fundamental tools for resolving conflicts and fostering regional and global stability. Speaking at the 4th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday, Sharaa said Syria's participation reflected "the firm belief of the Syrian Arab Republic that dialogue and diplomacy are the most effective means to resolve disputes and enhance peace and stability in our region and the world," according to the state-run SANA news agency. He described the forum as a "valuable opportunity" to engage with international leaders and officials on pressing global and regional issues. The event, hosted in southern Türkiye, runs under the theme Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World. Sharaa also underscored the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military activity in Syrian territory. Since taking office in December 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, Sharaa has faced mounting pressure over Israel's near-daily strikes on Syrian targets, including military sites and infrastructure. Damascus has not issued retaliatory threats, while Israel continues to justify its actions as necessary to secure the occupied Golan Heights. Israel, which has occupied most of the Golan Heights since 1967, has recently expanded its presence into formerly demilitarized zones, eroding the framework of the 1974 disengagement agreement monitored by the United Nations. Sharaa also extended his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for hosting the event and for his efforts to promote dialogue on a global scale. The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held annually, brings together heads of state, foreign ministers, diplomats, and international experts for three days of discussions on geopolitical trends, conflict resolution, and multilateral cooperation. — Agencies
