Syrian Democratic Council meets foreign ministers of Sweden, Finland

The Kurdish and Arab co-chairs of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), Elham Ahmad and Riad Darar, together with human rights activist and SDC deputy co-chair Majdolin Hassan, visited Sweden and Finland for consultative talks on ways forward in the Syrian crisis with both countries' foreign ministers, the SDC informed in a press release today (December 13).

The SDC delegation and Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde discussed ways of Sweden's and international support for Syria's democratic opposition and to find a mechanism to reach a roadmap that leads to a more comprehensive and inclusive political process in the country.

Issues related to the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria in general and North and East Syria, in particular, were also touched on.

"Sweden is a crucial partner"

"A fruitful meeting with the Swedish FM Ann Linde took place. We shared our visions on solving the Syrian crisis in a way that secures the interests of all Syrians," SDC Co-Chair and President of the SDC Executive Council Elham Ahmad wrote on Twitter. "Sweden is a crucial partner and we appreciate its continued efforts on supporting the political solution and humanitarian aid."  

"Appreciate sincere discussion with SDC's Ilham Ahmad on the situation in northeastern Syria. Sweden remains active partner," Ann Linde tweeted following the meeting.

The delegation's visit came before a two-day consultative meeting which was held on December 13-14 with Syria's opposition figures and organizations during "The meeting of democratic forces and personalities; Necessity, Possibility, and Hope."

"Progress in women's empowerment"

On Saturday, Ahmad also visited Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto in Helsinki. Haavisto and Ahmad too discussed ways of a political settlement to the Syrian crisis and how to advance the political process on a path in accordance with international resolutions.

Haavisto expressed his country's admiration for the progress achieved by this part of Syria, specifically regarding the role of women, their empowerment and their great participation in all fields, states the SDC press release.

A delegation from the country's Ministry for Foreign Affairs last December visited the regions of North and East Syria during which the delegation members met with SDC officials of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Democratic Autonomous Administration. (AEK/VK)