Aleppo Bishop praises Syria's new leader as 'sincere, honest and reliable person'

Aleppo Bishop, Hanna Jallouf, said his meeting with the leader of Syria’s new administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, was “brotherly and full of great affection”, Anadolu Agency reports.

Speaking to Anadolu, Jallouf said he felt the renewal of a “deep friendship” rooted in the past, praising Al-Sharaa as “a sincere, honest and reliable person.”

Recalling their acquaintance during his previous work in Idlib, he noted Al-Sharaa had assured him that the problems would be resolved within a year.

Jallouf said Al-Sharaa called him upon entering Aleppo to inquire about the condition of his community, quoting him as saying: “Rest assured, we are fully on their side. Let them continue to live their lives as naturally as possible. No one will harm them, directly or indirectly.

“Let them celebrate their religious holidays freely and naturally, just as before. In fact, we want their celebrations to be even better than before.”

Jallouf highlighted Al-Sharaa’s “exceptional vision” for Syria’s future, saying: “Al-Sharaa wants Syria to regain its former level of civilisation while opening the door to even greater advancements by preserving the country’s mosaic structure.”

WATCH: Syria receives first flights since fall of the regime

Hopes for future

Jallouf emphasized Syria’s wealth of highly skilled human resources and expressed optimism about rebuilding the country together for the sake of the younger generations.

Step by step, they will shake hands with everyone and ensure that Syria returns to its former role as a cultural, educational and artistic leader, he said.

West’s ‘negative’ messages about change in Syria

Jallouf expressed disappointment at the continued “negative” outlook of the Western countries toward the ongoing transformation in Syria.

He noted that these countries are sending messages against the new administration in Syria, which he believes has a “significant” impact on Western public opinion.

“Our mission is to convey the truth to Western countries,” said Jallouf, adding: “I believe that over time, this negative perception in our relations with the West and the US will change.”

Stressing international support for the new administration, Jallouf said external support will facilitate the return of Syrians scattered across the globe to their homeland.

“As Syrians, we have always lived freely, loved freedom and wish to remain free. We can never accept being subordinate to anyone,” he added.

READ: UN warns of ‘very real threats’ to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity