Damascus, Syria – In a significant step towards consolidating national sovereignty and ending the state of division, President Ahmed al-Sharaa received a high-level delegation from northeastern Syria in Damascus on Thursday. The delegation included Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Ilham Ahmed. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and the presidential envoy responsible for implementing the agreement, Brigadier General Ziad al-Ayesh, also attended the meeting.
In-depth coordination of sovereignty files
The spokesperson for the presidential team tasked with monitoring the implementation of the January 29 agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Ahmed al-Hilali, revealed that a lengthy meeting was held during which several key issues were discussed in depth.
According to the Hasakah Media Directorate, the expanded meeting included, in addition to Minister al-Shaibani, the Governor of Aleppo, Azzam al-Gharib, and the head of internal security in Aleppo Governorate, Muhammad Abdul Ghani. Presidential envoy Ziad al-Ayesh was also present.
The talks focused on mechanisms for implementing the “comprehensive agreement” announced on January 29, which stipulates a complete ceasefire. In addition, the agreement includes understandings on a phased integration mechanism for military, administrative, and civilian forces between the two sides. This integration ensures the extension of Syrian state authority over all of its national territory.
Priority of the return of displaced persons
Al-Hilali explained that the issue of the return of displaced persons and refugees topped the agenda, being treated as a “top humanitarian priority.” The participants discussed ways to facilitate the return of residents to their areas and provide them with essential services. In parallel, they discussed administrative and field integration strategies to ensure the restoration of stability. The participants also discussed strengthening the presence of official state institutions in all sectors.
Towards a phase of comprehensive integration
This meeting comes at a pivotal time, as the Syrian state seeks to accelerate the implementation of the agreement to fill any security gaps and ensure national unity.
Observers believe that the presence of security and administrative leaders from Aleppo Governorate reflects the seriousness with which the integration provisions are being implemented, especially since this pertains to military formations and service institutions in overlapping areas.
This diplomatic activity, ongoing since last January, demonstrates the Syrian leadership’s determination to transform the “December Agreement” from a theoretical framework into a tangible reality on the ground. This agreement ends years of fragmentation and establishes a new phase of comprehensive national cooperation under the umbrella of Syrian sovereignty.
