Recovering Relations, Fadli Zon Leads BKSAP To Visit The Syrian Parliament

JAKARTA - Chairman of the House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Fadli Zon, led a historic visit to Damascus Syria, May 15-18, 2023. A number of strategic meeting agendas were held, especially with the Syrian Parliament (People's Assembly).

The Speaker of the Syrian Parliament Hammouda Youssef Sabbagh warmly welcomed the visit of the BKSAP DPR RI. There have been no official visits from the Indonesian delegation, including Parliament, since the 2011 crisis. This first visit to Syria was in order to reconnect relations between the two countries, especially parliament.

Our relationship with Syria is very long and deep. Syria is the second country to recognize the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, namely in July 1947. As a new country of independence and still fighting at that time through diplomacy and guerrillas, recognition of Indonesia is very meaningful. Therefore, we owe it to Syria and Syria like brothers," said Fadli Zon.

The deputy chairman of the House of Representatives for the 2014-2019 period explained the strategic role of parliamentary diplomacy as a bridge to friendship. "It is important to note that parliament as a representative of the people can function the friendship between the two countries through people-to-people relations. We went to Syria to revitalize relations that have faded due to 12 years of conflict. Since the 2011 conflict, Indonesia's official visit to Syria has not been recorded. We are here considered a bold and friendly opening step. They are very happy and appreciate us," he stressed.

The Gerindra politician said that the DPR and the Syrian Parliament were active in dialogue in various parliamentary forums such as the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Parliamentary Union of OIC (PUIC). We have met several times the Syrian Parliament in international forums. I appreciate the arrival of the 144th IPU Parliamentary Delegation to the 144th IPU General Session in Bali March 2022 and the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development initiated by the DPR. We will also invite the Speaker of Parliament in several parliamentary meetings in Southeast Asia," added the politician representing the West Java Dapil V of Bogor Regency. On the other hand, the legislator of Commission I agreed on the trade values of the two countries which were small and decreased drastically. We agree to encourage economic cooperation and trade.' I also mention the potential of more than one million Indonesian Umrah pilgrims for Syrian religious tourism. Many extraordinary religious destinations in Syria such as the Umayyah Mosque are believed to be the fourth most sacred place for the Muslim ummat and the graves of the Prophet's companions as well as the great scholars, he explained. Deputy President of the Parliament League for Al-Quds also conveyed the similarity of views with Syria regarding the full support for Palestinian independence including the demands for the return of the Golan Heights to Syria. Another thing was conveyed by Fadli is that Syria's future is more stable and controlled. According to him, Syria's conducive situation is important so that Indonesia's cooperation with Syria returns to normal and evolve, especially now that the Arab League is again accepting Syria's membership.

Meanwhile, important things were conveyed by the Speaker of the Syrian Parliament, continued Fadli, first, praising Indonesia's position on the conflict in Syria. Second, the relationship with Indonesia which is very strong and rooted. Third, the appreciation of Indonesia's assistance to earthquake victims in Syria. Fourth, Syria could face global terrorists masterminded by the West. Fifth, the hope of Indonesia's participation in the Syrian reconstruction. Sixth, Indonesian products won confidence from the Syrian people even though the trade balance declined sharply. The BKSAP delegation, said Fadli, also met with eight members of the Parliament of the Indonesian-Suriah Friendship Group. Before meeting with the Chairman of the Syrian House of Representatives, we discussed long with the Friendship Group of the Syrian Parliament with the DPR. Many important things are discussed,'' he said. According to the DPR member of Gerindra's faction, among those who spread was, the first, parliament as a driver of cooperation in various sectors. Second, the urgency of fighting terrorism and extremism. Third, the strategic position of Indonesia is mainly because it is located geographically and one of the founders of the Non-Blok Movement. Fourth, praised moderate and friendly Indonesian Muslims. Fifth, praised the policy of amillionfriends andzero enemies and the Pancasila ideology. Sixth, the idea of reviving the Joint Commission Session between Indonesia and Syria. Seventh, the hope of Indonesia's contribution in rehabilitating the conflict-derited Syrian children. Eighth, the hope for the assistance of Health tools from Indonesia to Syria. Ninth, transforming the close relations of the two countries became a real cooperation. While when meeting the Minister of Waqaf Syria, Mohammed Abdul Sattar, a number of important topics were discussed, namely, firstly, praised moderate and tolerant Indonesian Muslimss. Second, the urgency functioned Islam as a unifying element. Third, urgency against terrorism and extremism. Fourth, Indonesian Islamic students in Syria as reinforcement of relations between the two countries. Fifth, appreciation for the direction of the Syrian President to protect Indonesian Islamic Students in Syria. The BKSAP of the DPR RI to Syria consists of Fadli Zon, Mardani Ali Sera, and Hasani Bin Zuber.