DAMASCUS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Officials from Syria's interim administration held talks on Monday with a visiting Ukrainian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, during which they vowed to develop "strategic partnerships" with Ukraine, Syria's SANA state news agency reported.
During the meeting, Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized the administration's intent to develop "strategic partnerships -- politically, economically, and socially" with Ukraine. "We are also seeking to restore scientific collaboration with Ukraine," al-Shaibani said, as quoted by SANA.
Syria's new administration "welcomes all Arab and international delegations," he added.
Meanwhile, Sybiha wrote on social media platform X that he has met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Syria's de facto leader, in which he voiced Ukraine's solidarity with Syria and its readiness to "assist in restoring normal life, stability, and food security" in the country.
Sybiha wrote that he also met with al-Shaibani, and that the two sides "are ready to open a new page in our bilateral relations, restore diplomatic ties based on mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, and develop cooperation in international organizations."
The talks came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on Dec. 8.
A military coalition led by HTS waged a major military operation from northern Syria on Nov. 27. It swept southwards, captured the capital Damascus, and overthrew former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government within 12 days. ■
