On January 19, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II received His Excellency Ambassador Hussam Zeki, Deputy General Secretary of the League of Arab States, accompanied by a delegation from the League of Arab States, at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Bab Touma – Damascus.

The meeting was attended by their Excellencies Bishop Romanos Hannat, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar of Damascus representing His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Armash Nalbandian, Armenian Orthodox Archbishop of Damascus, Moussa Khoury, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant, George Assadourian, Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Damascus, Rev. Boutros Zaour, President of the Evangelical Churches in Syria, and representatives of the Maronite and Latin churches in Damascus.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, also attended.

‏During the meeting, His Holiness welcomed the delegation of the League of Arab States in his name and in the name of their Beatitudes Patriarch John X and Patriarch Joseph Absi, as well as all the churches in Syria. He gave a brief overview of the Christian presence in Syria and the religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity that exists in Syria. He emphasized that the change that is witnessed now is very important but there are fears and challenges that need to be overcomed and transformed into opportunities to build Syria and revive its economy and help its citizens to live with dignity and freedom in a state that respects all the components of its society and guarantees its rights and responsibilities.

‏ In turn, His Excellency spoke about the current situation in Syria, especially the role of the League of Arab States in helping in the rebuilding of Syria and the Syrian society after the recent changes. He spoke about the various needs in Syria as well as the path that needs to be followed to ensure that the values of democracy and human rights are well-preserved.

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