Syria’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, declared on Tuesday that the country’s post-war reconstruction effort has “just begun,” urging national unity.
Speaking at the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” event in Aleppo, the first major city to fall during the offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad, Sharaa addressed a jubilant crowd.
Images of fighters killed in the battle for Aleppo preceded his speech.
“O great Syrian people, the battle of construction has just begun,” Sharaa proclaimed.
He called for unity and divine assistance to build a “bright future” for Syria.
The 14-year civil war resulted in over half a million deaths and a desperate need for rebuilding.
Recent lifting of Western sanctions on Assad could facilitate recovery.
Sharaa urged Syrians to “seize the available opportunity” for reconstruction.
He concluded by stating their slogan is to rebuild Syria anew for the world to admire.
