Damascus, SANA – Interior Minister Gen. Mohammad al-Shaar met on Wednesday Ambassador of South Africa in Damascus Shaun Byneveldt, discussing with him bilateral relations and means to improve them.
Al-Shaar lauded South Africa’s position regarding the crisis in Syria and its support for the Syrian people, particularly in terms of its rejection of foreign interference and of sending terrorists from across the globe to target Syria.
The Minister said that Syria is being targeted by regional and western states headed by the U.S. and prompted by Israel that employ terrorists in a bid to undermine Syria, asserting that the Syrian Arab Army and security forces are fulfilling their duty of protecting Syrians, and pointing out to the progress being made in al-Qalamoun area.
He also said that the U.S. claims of fighting ISIS are false on the ground, as the U.S. employs various means to support terrorists in Syria in an attempt to escalate the crisis and fragment the region.
For his part, Byneveldt asserted that South Africa’s position regarding the crisis in Syria is firm, affirming the need to combat terrorism in all its forms using all means available.
Hazem Sabbagh