Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and UN Envoy discuss Syria’s reconstruction and future

DARAMSUQ — This week, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II welcomed Deputy UN Special Envoy to Syria Najat Rochdi, along with her delegation, to discuss the future of Syria and its people.

In ongoing efforts to engage with Syrian communities and stakeholders after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II hosted Envoy Rochdi on Wednesday at the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Daramsuq (Damascus).

The meeting was attended by senior clergy, including Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Metropolitan of Homs, Hama, and Environs Mor Timotheos Matta al-Khoury, Patriarchal Assistant Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Formation Mor Andreas Bahhi, and Patriarchal Secretary Mor Augeen al-Khoury Nemat.

During the meeting, Patriarch Aphrem II addressed Syria’s current challenges and the role of the United Nations in supporting the country’s reconstruction and societal recovery amidst recent transitions.

Key points of discussion included identifying urgent priorities for Syria’s recovery and strategies for rebuilding social and economic life, emphasizing the importance of citizenship, democracy, justice, and equality as foundational values for the nation’s future, and highlighting the necessity of safeguarding freedoms and preserving the dignity of all Syrian citizens.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to fostering collaboration and dialogue as essential elements for Syria’s sustainable recovery and rebuilding process.

The meeting underscored the shared responsibility of local and international actors in ensuring a peaceful, inclusive, and equitable future for all Syrians.