Lavrov Reaffirms Kurdish Rights in Unified Syria, Offers Mediation Between Kurds and Damascus

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of Kurds within a unified Syria, offering Moscow’s readiness to mediate between Kurdish representatives and the Syrian government. His remarks came during a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Assad al-Shibani in Moscow, marking the first official meeting between the two ministers since the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Lavrov underlined that “Syria bears responsibility for safeguarding all its components,” reiterating Moscow’s unwavering position in support of Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

During the conference, Lavrov stressed that Russia views Syria as a reliable partner both regionally and internationally. He stated, “We are committed to working closely with the Syrian Arab Republic to deepen our ties for the mutual benefit of both nations. Our approach is rooted not in shifting geopolitical trends but in longstanding traditions of friendship and mutual respect.”

Lavrov also addressed the deteriorating situation in Suwayda and ongoing tensions along Syria’s coastal areas, endorsing an initiative by the International Committee of the Red Cross to coordinate with Damascus on establishing a field hospital in Suwayda. He emphasized that any sustainable settlement in Syria must come through a broad-based national dialogue, inclusive of all religious and ethnic groups.

In that context, Lavrov expressed hope that recent measures announced by President Ahmad al-Sharaa would contribute meaningfully to advancing these goals. “We remain confident that the steps outlined in the government’s institution-building roadmap will take all societal components into account,” he said.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s continued support for Syria’s economic recovery and denounced the use of Syrian territory as a battleground for geopolitical competition. “We have consistently opposed the exploitation of Syria as a proxy arena for international score-settling,” he noted. “It is vital that all members of the international community avoid actions that could escalate tensions.”

Shibani Calls for a New Chapter, Slams Israeli Interventions

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Asad al-Shibani conveyed Syria’s intention to open a “new chapter” in its relationship with Russia, particularly as the two countries navigate a crucial phase in bilateral ties. He asserted that Syria cannot pursue reconstruction or stability amid continuous Israeli aggression, which, he argued, worsens civilian suffering and obstructs rebuilding efforts.

Shibani said that Israel's repeated interference further complicates the situation in Suwayda, warning against the external manipulation of minority issues. “The Syrian state is solely responsible for the protection of minorities—no foreign power has the right to exploit these communities,” he stressed.

He firmly denied any intention by Damascus to target the Druze population and accused Israel of exploiting the issue for its own purposes.

Reiterating the devastating toll the war has taken on Syria, Shibani stated, “It is time to reunite Syrians both inside and outside the country.” He concluded by affirming that Syria poses no threat to Israel and has no intention of launching any attack, warning that certain actors seek to prevent Syria’s stabilization.