Ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from various Countries took part in the official reception offered in their honor by Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch of the Orthodox Syrians, at the patriarchal seat located in the damascene district of Bab Tuma. Apostolic Nuncio in Damascus Cardinal Mario Zenari and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ayman Sousan were present.

In his greetings, according to official sources of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate, Patriarch Aphrem II listed the turning points registered in the general condition of Syria, starting from the progressive retreat of the jihadist militias, recalling the suffering of all the Syrian people in the last years of conflict, and underlining that now the reconstruction of Syria devastated by war calls into question all the Syrians, the international community and even the Churches, called to encourage the spiritual healing of the entire population.

Patriarch Cardinal Mario Zenari emphasized the presence of diplomatic representatives and the recent re-opening of several embassies in Damascus as a positive sign for the recovery of the country. This process was also underlined with satisfaction by Syrian Foreign Minister Ayman Sousan.

The recent weeks were significant in the re-opening of the embassy of the United Arab Emirates.

During the seven years of conflict, the Holy See never interrupted relations with the Syrian authorities, as the Apostolic Nunciature in Damascus always remained open and Nuncio Mario Zenari, created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016, always maintained his residence in the Syrian capital.