Syria's Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, affirmed that the Syrian government welcomes the return of Syrian refugees and has not detained any returnees.
Speaking during an open meeting with journalists in Cairo on Wednesday, Mekdad stated that all political and security rulings against returning Syrians had been dropped, except for personal right cases.
He emphasized that no force could prevent Syrians from returning home, referencing the 22 decrees issued by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to facilitate their return through reconciliation programs.
Mekdad also highlighted that the West should support Syria's efforts to bring refugees home instead of imposing sanctions and blockades. He revealed that Syria had reached an agreement with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to fulfill all conditions necessary for refugees to return safely.
The minister also noted the warm reception of Syrian refugees in Egypt, stating that Syrians living in Egypt felt at home and experienced no discrimination.
Mekdad encouraged Syrians in Egypt to consider initiating projects in Syria, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries.
In a related event, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, met with his Syrian counterpart Mekdad on September 9 at Qasr Al-Tahrir in Cairo. The two ministers discussed a wide range of issues, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.
Abdelatty expressed Egypt's strong support for Syria in the face of its challenges and reaffirmed Cairo's rejection of foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs. He called for the respect of Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and underscored the importance of working towards a political settlement for the Syrian crisis based on international frameworks.
Abdelatty further expressed Egypt’s interest in restoring full cooperation with Syria within the framework of the Arab League and stressed the importance of the Arab Contact Group’s work in helping Syria overcome its challenges.
Both sides also touched on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Abdelatty urging efforts to halt Israeli aggression and prevent the conflict from escalating.
In a broader context, Mekdad also addressed the legacy of the Arab Spring, stating that while some in Syria had not expected the wave of uprisings to reach the country, others had anticipated it due to Syria's prominent role in the Arab world.
He accused Israel of being behind efforts to destabilize the region, noting that Western powers were using hidden agendas to manipulate facts and preserve Israel’s security.
Mekdad also clarified Syria's position on South Sudan, revealing that Damascus had not yet recognized its independence. He explained that Syria's stance was based on the principle that instability in one Arab country could have repercussions across the region, citing the conflicts in Iraq, Yemen, and Sudan as examples of this broader strategy aimed at weakening Arab nations.
The discussions in Cairo underlined the longstanding ties between Syria and Egypt, and the Syrian Foreign Minister conveyed a message of gratitude from President Bashar al-Assad to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for Egypt’s support for the Syrian people during their time in exile. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to fostering cooperation and addressing regional challenges in unity.
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