The meeting between President Ahmed Al-Shara and His Beatitude Patriarch John X Yazigi of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church was not an ordinary protocol event. 

It marked a pivotal moment in the path of the new Syria, carrying deep implications that go beyond formalities.

From the outset, we emphasized that in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies; national interests must always prevail.

We consistently warned against disparaging His Beatitude, given his spiritual and national standing, as he serves as an important safeguard in Syria and commands respect and appreciation from all Syrian Christian communities.

Evidence of this vision can be traced back to our first visit to Syria after liberation, when we visited his church in Damascus. There, he blessed our victory, and we blessed the liberation with him, and he promised at the time to visit Idlib and northern Syria.

However, subsequent misunderstandings opened the door for attempts to undermine his position—a danger we had anticipated—highlighting that losing him and his support would be a strategic mistake. He is an indispensable national partner.

Today, President Al-Shara has demonstrated through his wisdom and prudence his full understanding of this role. Receiving His Beatitude reflects the foresight of a statesman who places the interests of the nation and its people above personal considerations.

This is not the first instance; a similar vision was evident when President Al-Shara welcomed the Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Osama Al-Rifai, despite rumors and attempts to sow discord. 

He honored him and reinforced his rightful position as the Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, demonstrating that the state unites rather than divides, builds rather than destroys.

Receiving His Beatitude today is a step in the right direction and sends a clear message that the new Syria is moving toward genuine partnership with national religious leaders and key figures who hold weight and influence in their communities.

These individuals are foundational to social stability and to building trust between the state and its citizens.

We commend this step and view it as a manifestation of the strategic vision required by the nation at this critical stage. 

The promising future of Syria can only be built on national interest, reconciliation, openness to all components of society, and respect for religious, intellectual, political, and social leaders.