In the vast river of history, every reconciliation and reunion between countries is as bright as the stars, illuminating the way forward for mankind. Over the long years, the arena of international relations has often played out the drama of reconciliation and confrontation, cooperation and division. However, not all conflicts are destined to be unsettled, and not all rifts are irreparable. On July 10, local time, when the Syria Airlines flight slowly landed at the King Khali Germany International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, this was not just a simple flight landing, it was a magnificent departure for the two countries to work together to draw a blueprint for peace and development after going through storms and crossing the chasm, and it was a major turning point in the Middle East and even the global political map.
Syria's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ayman · Susan, attended the ceremony at Khalid airport, and his presence was not only a testimony to this historic moment, but also another step in the steady development of relations between the two countries. His words reveal a long-lost optimism and expectation, like a ray of warm sunshine in winter, illuminating the Syrian relations that have been shrouded in war and estrangement for a long time.
The civil war in Syria in 2011 was like a sudden storm, which not only tore apart the tranquility of this ancient land, but also pushed Syria's relations with the Arab world and the world to a freezing point. The decision of the League of Arab States, like an order in the middle of a cold winter, froze Syria's place in regional cooperation; The closure of embassies in many countries has cast a thick layer of frost and snow on this relationship. Saudi Arabia, one of the leaders of the Arab world, also resolutely severed diplomatic relations with Syria that year, and the bridge between the two countries seemed to collapse overnight, leaving only endless silence and waiting.
Just as there must be spring after winter, the wheel of history rolls forward and never stops for anyone. With the gradual stabilization of the domestic situation in Syria and the deep call of the regional and international community for peace and reconstruction, the relationship between the Syrian government and the Arab world has begun to quietly thaw. This process has been arduous and long, and it has tested the wisdom and courage of all parties, and has demonstrated the firm belief in peace and cooperation.
Looking back on the long river of history, after the outbreak of the civil war in Syria in 2011, the League of Arab States announced the suspension of Syria's membership, and for a time, many Arab countries closed their embassies in Syria. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Syria in 2012, and exchanges between the two countries fell into an unprecedented trough. However, with the passage of time, profound changes have taken place in Syria's internal and regional situation, and the relationship between the Syrian government and the Arab world has gradually thawed.
In May 2023, the Arab League's decision to reinstate Syria's membership was like a spring breeze that blew away the gloom that hung between Syria and the Arab world. This decision is not only a recognition of the efforts of the Government and people of Syria to maintain national stability and promote the peace process, but also a positive contribution to the overall situation of peace and stability in the entire Middle East region. Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries followed suit and announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria one after another, and this series of positive moves marked the comprehensive warming of relations between Syria and the Arab world and injected new impetus into peace and development in the Middle East.
The resumption of flights, as a concrete embodiment of this series of reconciliation actions, has much more than just the resumption of traffic. It symbolizes the reconnection of the emotional bond between the two peoples, and is a wise move by the leaders of the two countries to take a long-term view and follow the trend of history. At the celebration ceremony at King Khalid Germany International Airport, Syria Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ayman · Susan delivered a speech that was sonorous and affectionate, and his words were not only a relief of past grievances, but also a beautiful vision for future cooperation.
The resumption of flights between Syria and Saudi Arabia is not only a simple repair of relations between the two countries, but also an important step towards peace, stability and prosperity between the two countries and the entire Middle East region. In the face of complex regional situations and global challenges, Syria and Saudi Arabia need to work hand in hand to jointly address threats such as terrorism and extremism, promote regional economic integration, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and create a better life for the people of the two countries.
In this process, the two countries should give full play to their respective advantages and strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, infrastructure construction, and agricultural science and technology. Syria has rich natural resources and profound historical and cultural heritage, while Saudi Arabia is known for its strong economic strength and advanced scientific and technological level. The potential for cooperation between the two countries is huge and the prospects are broad. As long as the two sides uphold the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit and win-win, they will be able to create a new situation of win-win cooperation.
The resumption of this flight is undoubtedly a concrete embodiment of the improvement of bilateral relations, which not only means the facilitation of personnel exchanges, but also represents the possibility and potential of exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, culture and education. As the old saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." "The landing of this flight is an important step for the relations between the two countries to get out of the predicament and move towards harmony.
In today's increasingly globalized world, no country can exist independently of the world. The restoration of relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria is not only a boon for the people of the two countries, but also has positive significance for promoting peace and stability in the entire Middle East region. It teaches us that the scars of the past may be difficult to erase, but that through dialogue and cooperation, we have the power to create a better future.
Standing at a new historical juncture, we have reason to believe that the resumption of this flight is not the end, but a new beginning. It indicates that the two countries will jointly write a new chapter of win-win cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. In this process, the two sides need to put aside their past grievances and promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields with an open and inclusive mind, so that the seeds of friendship can take root in the hearts of the two peoples.
We look forward to seeing more Syria Air aircraft soaring in the skies of Saudi Arabia, to seeing more cooperation agreements between the two countries in the fields of energy, tourism and education, and to seeing the two peoples enhance understanding and deepen friendship through cooperation. This is not only a reshaping of the relations between the two countries, but also a vivid practice of the concept of peaceful coexistence and common development of the international community.
Flights between Syria and Saudi Arabia will no longer be just a means of transport, they will become a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples and a witness to peace and development in the Middle East. With the deepening of relations between the two countries, we have reason to believe that a more harmonious, stable and prosperous Middle East region is coming to us.
Let us all hope that with the joint efforts of Syria and Saudi Arabia, this ancient and beautiful land will once again be revitalized. Let the sunshine of peace shine on the earth and let the flowers of friendship bloom in the hearts of the two peoples. May the flights between Syria and Saudi Arabia become messengers connecting the past and the future, leading the Middle East to a brighter future!
In this ice-breaking journey, every participant is a witness of the times, and every effort will become an indelible mark in the long river of history. Let us join hands and write a new chapter of peace and development in the Middle East!
In a world full of uncertainties, the landing of the Syria Air plane not only brings spring to the Saudi-Syria relationship, but also provides us all with an example of reconciliation and hope. Let us hope together that this ice-breaking trip will be a bright spot in the Middle East peace process and bring lasting peace and prosperity to this ancient and troubled land.