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Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared Monday that his country has entered "a new historic phase for the region" following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government, signaling a potential diplomatic realignment with Western powers.
Speaking at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York alongside former CIA Director David Petraeus, al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria now maintains "converging interests with the West and the United States" — a stark departure from the previous regime's positions.
The Syrian leader's appearance at the high-profile international forum marks his most significant diplomatic engagement since assuming power after Assad's fall. His comments suggest Syria may be seeking to rebuild relationships with Western nations that had isolated Damascus for more than a decade.
Al-Sharaa warned of emerging challenges to Syria's stability, saying some parties are attempting "to stir sectarian tensions in Syria, while others are settling their scores on Syrian soil." He stressed the need for rapid implementation of peaceful solutions, particularly regarding an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces scheduled for March 10.
The integration of various armed groups remains a central concern for the new administration. "Restricting weapons to the hands of the state is what protects Syria from conflicts and unrest," al-Sharaa said during the session on democracy, security and geopolitical risk.
Syria has extended an offer to the SDF, extension of PKK terror group that controls much of northeastern Syria, to join the national army. Al-Sharaa said his government has "assured them that Kurdish rights are guaranteed, but there has been hesitation (on their part) in implementing the agreement."
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