Syrian Foreign Minister Raises New Flag at UN Headquarters in Historic Ceremony
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Foreign Minister As’ad al-Shibani raised the country’s new national flag on Friday in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York, marking a symbolic moment in Syria’s post-conflict transition.
The ceremony, described by the minister as a “historic moment filled with dignity,” is the first time the new flag has been flown at the UN since the fall of the previous regime in late 2024.
“On behalf of the Syrian Arab Republic, I stand today in a moment that overflows with dignity to raise our new Syrian flag at this global forum, for the first time after closing a painful chapter of our history,” al-Shibani wrote in a post on Platform X (formerly Twitter).
The new flag, introduced by Syria’s transitional government earlier this year, represents a break from the decades-long rule of the former regime. Al-Shibani emphasized that the flag “does not merely symbolize a state, but the will of a people who endured, resisted, and believed that freedom and justice are rights that must be claimed, not luxuries to be granted.”
The symbolic move comes amid broader efforts by the transitional government to normalize relations with the international community and restore Syria’s role in global diplomacy.
Following the flag-raising, al-Shibani addressed the press and reiterated his government’s commitment to engaging the international community. “The world now needs to hear the demands of the Syrian people,” he said. “We are open to dialogue and expect reciprocal treatment.”
He also called for the lifting of international sanctions, arguing that they are no longer justified under the new government and continue to harm the Syrian people. “With the reasons for the sanctions now gone, they should be lifted. Their removal will help revive Syria’s economy and support reconstruction,” al-Shibani said.
The United Nations has yet to formally recognize the transitional government, but several member states have recently shown openness to dialogue, citing the shift in governance and the administration’s pledges for reform and inclusion.
The flag-raising was viewed as a step toward asserting Syria’s new political identity and legitimacy on the world stage, following over a decade of civil conflict and international isolation.