S/PV.10036 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Morocco and the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/712, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United States of America. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 14 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2799 (2025). I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

I would like to thank my fellow Security Council members for their constructive engagement on this resolution (resolution 2799 (2025)). With the adoption of this text, the Council is sending a strong political signal that recognizes that Syria is in a new era since Al-Assad and his associates were toppled in December 2024. There is a new Syrian Government in place, led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, which is working hard to fulfil its commitments on countering terrorism and narcotics, on eliminating any remnants of chemical weapons and on promoting regional security and stability and an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrianowned political process. As President Trump previously indicated, now is Syria’s chance at greatness. The delisting of President Al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab should help to give the Syrian people that greatest chance.

China has been consistently committed to developing friendly relations with the entire population of Syria, respecting the choice of the Syrian people regarding the future and destiny of their country and supporting the international community in helping Syria to swiftly restore peace and stability so that the Syrian people can soon live in dignity. Regarding adjustments to the Security Council’s sanctions related to Syria, China’s position has been loud and clear from the very outset. We are of the view that the Security Council should give full consideration to the counter-terrorism and Over a period of time, Council members held multiple rounds of consultations on the resolution. Out of a sense of responsibility towards Syria and the Syrian people, China actively participated in the consultations. Together with many members, we expressed legitimate concerns about counter-terrorism issues, in particular the presence of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria, and put forward many constructive proposals for amendments. However, the sponsor did not fully heed the views of all members and forced the Council to take action despite the huge differences of opinion among Council members, in an attempt to serve its own political agenda. China expresses its regret about this. At present, Syria is undergoing a political transition, while facing a fragile security situation and the arduous task of counter-terrorism efforts. Large numbers of foreign terrorist fighters have exploited the situation to their advantage, seriously threatening Syrian, regional and international peace and security. The fight against terrorism is fundamental to Syria’s national reconstruction. Any action taken by the Council on Syria should fully consider the counter-terrorism situation and contribute to achieving the Council’s objectives on counter-terrorism. Any support and assistance provided to Syria should not undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the Council’s sanctions regime. The resolution just adopted reaffirms the Council’s counter-terrorism requirements and makes it clear that Syria should fulfil its commitments in this regard, take decisive actions to combat terrorist acts and respond to the threat of foreign terrorist fighters, which include the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Syria. In this regard, the interim Government in Syria should fulfil its counter-terrorism obligations, take practical measures to make substantive progress and win the trust of the international community. At present, more than 80 entities and more than 250 individuals are still on the Council’s sanctions list under resolution 1267 (1999), and such measures as travel bans, assets freezes and arms embargoes are still in effect. All countries are obligated to uphold the authority of the Council, strictly implement the Council’s sanctions and resolutions and prevent all organizations, entities and individuals, including ETIM, from directly or indirectly obtaining funds, weapons and other types of support from outside, posing a threat to the security of other countries. The evolving situation in Syria, as an important country in the Middle East, affects regional peace and stability. It is necessary for the Council to pay close attention to the situation in Syria and to take the necessary actions in a timely manner, according to how the situation evolves, to push the situation in Syria to move in the right direction. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in achieving security, stability and development in Syria at an early date.

The United Kingdom voted in favour of this resolution (resolution 2799 (2025)) today. It marks a significant moment — nearly one year after the fall of Al-Assad — and the beginning of a new chapter of hope for the Syrian people. We welcome the progress made by the Syrian Government to date, including on advancing the political transition and taking positive steps on counter-terrorism and chemical weapons. In this context, we welcome the delisting of Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Anas Khattab from the sanctions regime under resolution 1267 (1999). It is important to note that the Syrian Arab Republic is not and has We hope that this resolution will further encourage deeper engagement with the international community and support the Syrian people in their efforts towards reconstruction and economic development. The United Kingdom has consistently stood by the people of Syria. We will continue to support the Syrian Government as it fulfils its commitments to build a more stable, free and prosperous future for all Syrians.

The Russian Federation voted in favour of the resolution (resolution 2799 (2025)) drafted by the United States to remove two individuals, Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Anas Khattab, from the sanctions list under resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida. We note that the authors managed to produce a brief and succinct document, which is something that we have called for since work on the text began. Most importantly, the product adopted by the Council today reflects the interests and aspirations of the Syrian people themselves. This practice of fully considering the views of concerned parties must remain paramount when negotiating relevant Security Council decisions. We hope that the adoption of today’s resolution will contribute to achieving its initially stated goal, that of facilitating Syria’s economic recovery and development during this challenging yet crucial transitional period for Damascus. It must be clear to all that against the backdrop of the ongoing severe socioeconomic crisis in Syria, economic and humanitarian assistance to its people must be increased. No special decisions of the Council on this matter, as some of our Western colleagues initially tried to posit, were or are required. In this regard, it is important that the adopted resolution clearly includes provisions on the need to provide international assistance to the Syrian people in their reconstruction and stabilization efforts and to do so without imposing any artificial demands or preconditions. We believe that this is fully in line with Damascus’s multipronged foreign policy aimed at strengthening ties with foreign partners. For our part, we are ready to continue a multifaceted dialogue with friendly Syria and its people, with whom we share extensive historical ties, both on a range of bilateral cooperation issues and on various international and regional matters. We would also like to draw attention to the fact that the resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, as stipulated by key Security Council decisions, including resolution 2254 (2015). We expect that these fundamental principles will be adhered to by all members of the international community, including Israel, which continues to play by its own rules and to occupy part of Syria’s sovereign territory, including the Golan Heights. In addition to the illegal military presence of Israeli forces, another major factor hindering long-term stabilization in various parts of Syria is the ongoing wide range of terrorist threats, including those posed by ISIL, Al-Qaida and foreign terrorist fighters. We hope that today’s Security Council decision will give additional impetus to Damascus’s efforts to combat various militants, who still harbour plans not only to weaken Syria’s statehood, but also to undermine the security of other States, including the countries of origin of foreign terrorist fighters.

Somalia voted in favour of this resolution (resolution 2799 (2025)). We commend the penholder for the constructive engagement and stewardship throughout the deliberations on this resolution. Somalia’s long-standing solidarity and support for the Syrian people’s hopes for peace and unity have never wavered. We affirm the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political The Syrian people have endured immense suffering, and our decisions must aim to ease this hardship and contribute to sustainable peace. We urge Member States to continue providing support to Syria as it recovers from decades of destruction. Somalia stands ready to support all efforts in that regard.

At the outset, I would like to thank the United States as penholder for presenting the resolution that the Council has just adopted (resolution 2799 (2025)). This marks another important step, a step that we hope will pave the way for a more prosperous and stable future for the Syrian people. The adoption of this resolution reflects the Security Council’s collective support for the security and stability of Syria and the determination of Council members to assist the Syrian people as they navigate this crucial transition period and strive to realize their legitimate aspirations to prosperity and well-being. Algeria voted in favour of the text because we firmly believe in the importance of rebuilding strong and resilient Syrian institutions that are capable of safeguarding the country’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We remain convinced that the Syrian-owned and the Syrian-led political process in line with the key principles of resolution 2254 (2015) remains the only viable path towards building a new and inclusive Syria. We encourage all Syrians to continue along the path of dialogue and reconciliation, as inclusivity is essential. Syria must be rebuilt by all Syrians, without exclusion. Algeria, which has always stood by the brotherly Syrian people, will continue to do so and stands ready to contribute to any constructive efforts aimed at promoting the well-being of Syria and its people.

France welcomes the adoption of the resolution (resolution 2799 (2025)) lifting the Council’s sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Minister of the Interior Anas Khattab and thanks the American delegation, which assumed responsibility for drafting the text. This resolution responds to a clear goal: to support Syria in getting back on its feet, beginning with its economic recovery to meet the population’s needs. It is incumbent on the international community to remove all impediments to that recovery, as we did in May at a European level by lifting sectoral sanctions. The recovery of the economy is a crucial precondition to lasting peace in Syria and the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees. This resolution also underscores our expectations vis-à-vis the Syrian authorities, in particular as regards counterterrorism. The fight against Da’esh in the Middle East is unfinished, and the risks of a resurgence must not be underestimated. One year on from the fall of Bashar Al-Assad and his regime, with the inception of a promising chapter for the country and the region, the adoption of this resolution today marks a significant step on the path to rebuilding a sovereign, united and reconciled Syria — one that is at peace and free from the scourge of terrorism. The Council will remain galvanized to assist it in reaching that goal.

Pakistan has voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the Council (resolution 2799 (2025)). We thank the United States for this initiative, which is among the many steps needed to enable Syria to embark upon the path to political stability, economic The Syrian people have suffered more than a decade of conflict, chaos and civil war. Today’s vote is a welcome step by the Council to signal the support of the international community towards helping the Syrian people transition into a new phase of their political journey through a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. The journey ahead for Syria presents immense opportunities but it is not without challenges. The threat from terrorism remains, and the presence of foreign terrorist fighters continues to threaten security in the country. We hope that the Syrian authorities will extend and consolidate centralized authority and stabilize the situation across the country by taking measures necessary to address the security concerns. We reaffirm our solidarity with the brotherly people of Syria and remain steadfast in our commitment to helping Syria emerge as a strong, stable and prosperous country among the nations of the world. We also hope that the Security Council’s decision today will usher in a new era of political engagement with the Syrian leadership and pave the way for reconciliation and inclusive nation-building through international support.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your delegation on assuming the presidency of the Council this month. I would also like to thank His Excellency the Permanent Representative of the United States and his team for their tremendous efforts during the discussions on the resolution (resolution 2799 (2025)), which aligns with President Trump’s historic and courageous decision to support Syria in seizing this historic opportunity. I would also like to thank all members of the Council for their positive engagement on the resolution. For the first time in many years, the Council is united in its support for Syria and in standing by its people. Syria welcomes the adoption of the resolution and sees it as a sign of growing confidence in the new Syria, its people and its leadership and in Syria’s sincere and constructive engagement with the Council and the international community. Today’s resolution represents, in one respect, the fruit of positive and continuous engagement with Syria over the past months and, at the same time, it embodies the constructive role of the international community in keeping pace with the positive developments on the ground. At its core, the resolution reflects the will of the Syrians  — men and women — and their desire to return our country to its rightful place among nations and to move forward with confidence and hope towards building a new Syria, a Syria that embraces all its children and shapes a future based on freedom, dignity, independence, sovereignty, prosperity and development. Today’s resolution, which delists His Excellency President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Minister of the Interior Mr. Anas Khattab, is all the more significant in that it includes a reaffirmation of the Council’s strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Syria. We are also pleased that it emphasizes the need to promote reconstruction, stability and economic development in Syria. The resolution also welcomes the Syrian Government’s commitments and ongoing efforts in the region to combat the scourge of drugs, uphold the rule of law, combat terrorism and protect the rights of all Syrians without discrimination. Those endeavours are not only a national duty but also a source of international pride. For centuries, Syrian men and women have exported the most magnificent exemplars of civilization in science, literature, art, agriculture, industry and trade. Today we are working to restore Syria to its former glory as the jewel of the East and a beacon of civilization, as it was known throughout the world. Damascus has extended and continues to extend its hand to all countries of the world, seeking partnerships and successes, business and investment, striving to be a point of connection between East and West under the banner of development and prosperity. The new Syria will be a success story and a shining example that proves that the best path in international relations is positive engagement and constructive cooperation. If there are concerns, Syria is fully prepared to address them in good faith and mutual respect. In conclusion, for years now the Syrian people have looked to the Security Council and the international community in this Chamber, and they have been saddened and pained by the Council’s divisions. As for today, the Council has put its differences behind it, united and sent a clear message of support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their country and reclaim their lives. We are confident that the Council will continue to stand united in its support for their aspirations and for what they have achieved in just a few months, which Council members will see for themselves when we host them in Damascus — the great city of Damascus, the heart of civilization.

I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States. I take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to the Republic of Sierra Leone on its presidency of the Security Council, expressing our deep appreciation for its excellent stewardship of Security Council meetings this month. The Arab Group welcomes the adoption of resolution 2799 (2025). It expresses its deep gratitude to the penholder, the United States, for its tireless efforts during the drafting of the text, noting the constructive engagement of Security Council members with the objectives of this resolution. This resolution marks a decisive turning point in the bid to strengthen the national institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic. It lays the foundation for a new phase that is based on the rule of law and that places the security, safety and development of citizens at the heart of its priorities. This positive momentum provides an opportunity for us to reaffirm that the Arab Group stands shoulder to shoulder with Syria and its people to forge ahead on the path of progress and prosperity. This resolution constitutes a source of inspiration and support for the Syrian Arab Republic as it navigates this critical phase, which is characterized by multifaceted challenges. Against this particularly sensitive backdrop, the Arab Group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Syria’s territorial unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and its categorical rejection of any external interference in its internal affairs and of attempts to impose agendas that do not serve the interests of the Syrian people. Today’s resolution urges us to mobilize our efforts, strengthen the urgent and comprehensive international response, advance humanitarian action and increase funding for the humanitarian response plan, which continues to suffer from a significant shortfall, adversely affecting the ability of United Nations agencies to provide essential assistance to Syrians inside the country and to host countries outside it. The Group also stresses that providing urgent humanitarian support is not enough. It is imperative to lift all economic restrictions imposed on Syria, as they deepen suffering, hamper and reverse national recovery efforts and block the path to reconstruction and development. In this context, the Group welcomes the announcements made by some international actors regarding the lifting of sanctions. It considers these to be positive first steps that must be complemented by the complete and immediate lifting of economic measures, which affect the lives of civilians and hinder reconstruction. The Arab Group also commends the Council’s resolution adopted today, which constitutes a fundamental building block for providing the Syrian Arab Republic with the legal and institutional means to address the challenges it faces, particularly in the political, security and economic spheres. The Arab Group stresses that supporting Syria at this crucial stage is a moral and political obligation on the part of the international community. The Group calls for the provision of effective technical and institutional support and flexible assistance that strengthens Syria’s capacity for recovery and reconstruction and ensures the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons, preserving their dignity and achieving social and economic stability. The Arab Group also reaffirms that Syria’s security and stability are an integral part of regional and global security and that preserving Syria’s unity and national institutions is the real guarantee for combating terrorism and blocking any external projects aimed at destabilizing the region. In conclusion, the Arab Group calls on the Security Council to continue to fulfil its responsibilities in safeguarding and supporting the peace process and providing all forms of support to the brotherly Syrian people in their quest for security, stability and development.