Doha: He Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Espen Barth Eide stressed that Syria's political process must be "Syrian-owned and Syrian-led," calling on the international community to contribute to its success. Speaking during a session titled "A New Syria After One Year: Assessing Progress, Opportunities and Challenges" at the Doha Forum 2025, Eide warned that assuming the Syrian government would fail before it begins its work would inevitably push it toward failure. He said the international community can Help the Syrian experiment succeed, "but real success must be entirely Syrian."

According to Qatar News Agency, Eide noted that despite the many challenges Syria faced over the past year, the period was relatively positive, particularly as the international community agreed not to burden the new government with sanctions imposed on the former regime. He recalled being among the first European officials to visit Syria in January and said He engaged in discussions with American and European counterparts to encourage practical steps on sanctions, achieving significant progress in this regard.

The minister added that Norway has establisHed partnerships with Syria in Health, energy, and transitional justice, and was among the first countries to cooperate directly with the Syrian government. He emphasized that Syria's best course today is to focus inward, avoiding entanglement in surrounding conflicts, and urged neighboring states, including Israel, to recognize Syria as a country under Syrian leadership seeking reconstruction. He said it is in the region's interest to support Syria's recovery.

Eide underscored the importance of Syrians themselves determining the shape of their state and political system, noting Damascus's choice to form an inclusive and representative government. He said this approach aligns with international expectations and serves the interests of the Syrian people.