A high-profile Syrian parliamentary delegation has called on the international community to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts as the country enters a transformative new chapter after the collapse of former President Bashar Al Assad’s regime.
The appeal was made to the GDN on the sidelines of a meeting of the Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), hosted in Bahrain this week.
The delegation’s plea follows the political upheaval in Syria, where the long-standing regime of Assad was toppled by rebels on Sunday.
While details surrounding the regime’s fall remain sparse, the political shift has sparked discussions about Syria’s future, particularly its economic recovery and reintegration into regional and global networks.
The MPs underscored the urgency of international co-operation in rebuilding the country’s devastated infrastructure, restoring public services and addressing the humanitarian crises resulting from more than a decade of conflict.
“This is not just a Syrian issue, this is a collective responsibility,” said Syrian Parliament delegation head and local governance and urban development committee chairman Dr Moala Al Khoder.
“Syria’s stability is crucial for the entire region,” he added.
“The meeting in Bahrain comes at a critical juncture for Syria, which has faced severe economic challenges that have been exacerbated by conflicts, sanctions and regional instability.
“We hope this new political era could open the door to greater international engagement and an end to Syria’s isolation.”
Dr Al Khoder said Syrians were ‘happy’ that they would be ‘ushering in a new era’, but the process would require huge international support.
“We have been plagued by corruption, poverty and mounting conflicts and challenges,” said Dr Al Khoder.
“Cleanup doesn’t happen overnight and everyone will need to work now towards actions and solutions.”
The Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development, a key body of the APA, provides a platform for Asian legislators to collaborate on pressing issues such as poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability and economic integration.
With representatives from across Asia in attendance, the Syrian delegation aimed to galvanise regional support for the country’s recovery.
“Syria’s reconstruction will require a multi-pronged approach, involving not only financial aid but also the lifting of sanctions. We are looking forward to investment in infrastructure as well as reconciliation efforts,” said Syrian Parliament financial and energy affairs committee chairman Homam Debiat.
“Syria faces monumental challenges as it transitions into a post-conflict era, but nothing is impossible through a united front,” he added.
“The country’s infrastructure has been decimated, with entire cities reduced to rubble. Over 6.8 million Syrians remain internally displaced, while millions more are refugees in neighbouring countries.
“The economic crisis, compounded by years of war and sanctions, has left much of the population in poverty.”
He added that Syria continues to be agriculturally rich, which could help in their development.
“Reconstruction is not just about rebuilding what has been destroyed,” he said. “It is about creating opportunities for Syrians to rebuild their lives and participate in the economic revival of their country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Syrian MP Hisham Younis said the APA meeting in Bahrain could mark the beginning of a broader effort to address these challenges.
“Syria can attract the necessary support and navigate the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction,” he added.
“As the world watches this unfolding chapter in Syria’s history, the stakes are high – not only for the country but also for regional stability and global peace.”
Assad, who ruled Syria for almost a quarter of a century, fled the country after opposition forces stormed the Syrian capital on Sunday, as reported in the GDN. Hours later, Russia’s TASS state news service said Assad and members of his family were in Moscow and had been granted asylum.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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