"Syria will only be a land of peace": Ahmed al-Sharaa’s vision for new Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivered a landmark speech in Damascus on May 14, declaring the end of an era of isolation and charting a bold path forward for a unified, peaceful, and open Syria.

al-Sharaa delivered his remarks in Damascus following his return from Saudi Arabia and a meeting with President Trump earlier on Wednesday morning. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the US-Gulf summit held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, marking the first encounter of its kind between an American and a Syrian president in 25 years.

Al-Sharaa addressed Syrians and the international community, emphasizing stability and reconciliation. His central pledge was:"Syria will only be a land of peace henceforth". 

Al-Sharaa denounced the Assad regime’s legacy of “oppression and displacement,”. He credited the Idlib uprising with igniting a national revival, framing his speech as a call for a “new Syria.”

The Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa also hailed the lifting of international sanctions on Syria as a “historic and courageous decision” that signals a new chapter for the nation. 

“The spirit of belonging has returned to the Syrian people, opening a window of hope after long years of suffering,” Al-Sharaa said. “Syria has been liberated, and its people are celebrating this liberation — as are our brotherly nations.”

He credited the unity and sacrifices of the Syrian people with reshaping global public opinion and strengthening positive perceptions of Syria around the world. The sanctions relief, he added, lays the foundation for reducing the hardship faced by Syrians and building a future grounded in peace and recovery.

Al-Sharaa also announced Syria’s full commitment to facilitating investment and opening the country’s doors to investors. “Syria will no longer be a playground for foreign influence,” he declared. “Our trials have taught us that our strength lies in our unity.”

He stressed Syria’s rising international stature, stating: “The whole world loves Syria for its great standing. We will not allow the country to be divided, nor will we permit the resurrection of the narratives of the old regime. Syria belongs to all Syrians.”

Al-Sharaa said the country had successfully reopened previously closed diplomatic channels and laid the groundwork for strategic relations with both Arab and Western nations. He emphasized that the government has set clear priorities to address the deep crisis the nation has endured.

The president also highlighted the key role played by the Syrian diaspora in pushing for the lifting of sanctions. “Our communities abroad played a vital role through their engagement and advocacy,” he noted. “Their efforts had a major impact on achieving this breakthrough.”

“We are not just celebrating the end of sanctions,” Al-Sharaa added. “We are celebrating the revival of heartfelt ties between the peoples of this region.”

Al-Sharaa went on to thank the leaders who congratulated Syria on the development. “The first to offer blessings was King Hamad bin Isa of Bahrain, followed by our brothers in Kuwait and Sultan Haitham of Oman. I must also mention King Abdullah of Jordan, whose warm welcome and principled stance on critical issues meant a great deal.”