Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Monday that his country had managed to achieve a kind of balance in its regional and international relations. Al-Sharaa described Syria's relations with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey as ideal in an interview with "Sky News Arabia," while noting that relations with Egypt and Iraq are acceptable, expressing his hope for significant development. He also indicated that relations with the United States, Russia, and China are good. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa called on Syrians on Monday to unite their efforts to build a strong Syria from east to west and consolidate its stability amidst celebrations that swept through major cities, including Damascus, marking the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime. After performing the dawn prayer at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, al-Sharaa said, "The current stage requires uniting the efforts of all the sons of the nation to build a strong Syria, consolidate its stability, safeguard its sovereignty, and achieve a future worthy of the sacrifices of our people." The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted al-Sharaa as saying in a speech on the anniversary of liberation after the dawn prayer: "No one will stand in our way, no matter how great or mighty, and no obstacles will stand in our way. We will all face all challenges together." He added: "From its north to its south and from its east to its west... we will restore a strong Syria with construction worthy of its present and past... worthy of ancient Syria. We will rebuild it." Al-Sharaa, who appeared in a green military uniform he wore upon arriving in Damascus a year ago, emphasized that "safeguarding this victory and building upon it today constitutes the greatest duty entrusted to all Syrians." Al-Sharaa placed a piece of the cover of the Kaaba in the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus—a gift he received from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Commenting on this, in his speech, he said: "We chose for this piece to be in the Umayyad Mosque, thereby uniting the countries and extending the bonds of love and brotherhood from Mecca to the Levant, and we chose to launch it in the first moments of the anniversary of victory." Minarets of mosques in most Syrian provinces raised the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) at dawn on Monday, signaling the launch of Liberation Day events in Syria on the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime. Syrian provinces announced a series of events and activities to celebrate the anniversary of liberation, starting with the Takbir and continuing until dawn. The Syrian Postal Corporation issued five stamps and a commemorative card on Monday to celebrate the first anniversary of the liberation, as part of its role in documenting the most important national occasions through postal issues.
