Syria remains open to resuming negotiations with Israel if there is “real political will,” Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said on Thursday, as Damascus continues efforts to reach a security agreement aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.
Al-Shaibani said Syria had previously sought to negotiate a security agreement with Israel, but accused the Israeli side of backing away from commitments made during the talks.
“We tried to reach a security agreement with Israel, but it retreated from its commitments,” the Syrian foreign minister said.
Despite the setback, al-Shaibani stressed that Damascus had not closed the door to negotiations and remained interested in reaching an agreement that could help de-escalate tensions.
“We are still interested in reaching an agreement with Israel to reduce escalation,” he said, adding that talks could resume if Israel demonstrated “real political will.”
Syria Questions Israel’s Intentions
Al-Shaibani also said Syria had made clear to the United States that Damascus does not trust Israel’s intentions, amid continued military tensions between the two countries.
The Syrian foreign minister rejected attempts to link Israel’s military actions to the presence of Turkish forces in Syria, arguing that such claims were not supported by developments on the ground.
He also stressed Syria’s right to rebuild its military institutions and develop its capabilities as the country works to restore state institutions damaged by years of conflict.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Syria, with Damascus seeking security arrangements that could reduce the risk of further escalation while maintaining its sovereignty and rebuilding its national institutions.
