Syrian President’s Meeting with Italian Prime Minister: A New Step Towards Rapprochement and Recovery

In a prominent diplomatic event, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Italian Mission in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting comes in the context of a new phase of Syrian openness to the world and reflects a shared desire to strengthen bilateral relations between Damascus and Rome after years of stagnation.

During the meeting, Meloni affirmed her country’s support for the reconstruction efforts of a stable and sovereign Syria, noting the interest of Italian companies in investing in various sectors within Syria. She also emphasized the importance of development cooperation and the need to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

One of the most prominent indicators of this rapprochement is the reopening of the Italian Embassy in Damascus, a significant diplomatic development that reflects growing confidence in the country’s stability. This openness has led to the desire of dozens of Syrian and Italian students to complete their studies at Syrian universities, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, and archaeology, enhancing cultural and scientific exchange between the two countries.

It is impossible to discuss Syrian-Italian relations without mentioning the significant humanitarian role played by numerous Italian church organizations and organizations during the war years. Among these organizations is Crete for Life, which provided support to affected children and families and contributed to educational and health projects in various regions of Syria.

Today, as Syria enters the recovery phase, these meetings open the door to broader cooperation in the fields of development, education, and culture. Italy, with its long history of humanitarian and diplomatic work, appears to be a key partner at this stage, especially in light of a shared desire to build a more stable and prosperous future.

The New York meeting was not merely a protocol meeting, but a symbolic step toward Syria’s return to the international stage, affirming that dialogue and cooperation are the best way to overcome the effects of war and rebuild bridges of trust.