The Syrian delegation, led by Saad Baroud, has assured members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that Syria is now a free and peaceful nation following the collapse of the Bashar-al-Assad regime.
Baroud, the Syria’s director of International Organisations, told Bbeg Media on the sidelines of the NAM Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo that the new government had restored peace and freedom, creating opportunities for development.
He praised the resilience, creativity, and industriousness of the Syrian people, which he believes will drive the nation’s recovery from the scars of past conflicts under the Al-Assad regime.
Baroud emphasised Syria’s reintegration into the international community, expressing solidarity with NAM member states and seeking opportunities for business, trade, commerce, and social integration.
He noted that the conflict had forced millions of Syrians to flee in search of safety, but the new regime has ushered in peace, enabling their return. Baroud described Syria as a revitalised nation, ready to reclaim its historical identity as a harmonious home for all religions.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 marked the dramatic end of over five decades of Assad family rule in Syria. The rebel offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.
HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is acting as interim president and has promised to organise elections within the next five years.
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese delegation praised Uganda’s hospitality, which they said has encouraged them to consider future visits to the country, bolstered by its pleasant weather. They expressed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism among NAM member states.
The Bhutanese delegation, led by Rinchen Kuenstyl, Director General of Vietnam’s Multilateral Affairs, commended NAM countries for championing the interests of the Global South.
Kuenstyl called for urgency in addressing contemporary global challenges, including climate change, hunger, poverty, disease, and conflicts affecting some NAM member states.
The 19th NAM Summit has drawn foreign affairs ministers and ambassadors from across the NAM member states, fostering dialogue on critical global issues.
