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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FM-ADVISOR-MEETING

(240723) -- DAMASCUS, July 23, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) meets with visiting Iranian foreign minister's senior advisor for special political affairs, Ali Asghar Khaji in Damascus, Syria, July 22, 2024. TO GO WITH "Iran stays committed to existing deals with Syria: diplomat" (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gaza tops discussion list during acting Iranian FM's visit to Syria

STORY: Gaza tops discussion list during acting Iranian FM's visit to Syria SHOOTING TIME: June 4, 2024 DATELINE: June 5, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:14 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. Various of the meeting between the Syrian foreign minister Faisal Mekdad and Acting Iranian Foreign Minister 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Persian): ALI BAGHERI KANI, Acting Iranian Foreign Minister 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister STORYLINE: Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Tuesday embarked on his first visit to Syria since his appointment last month to address the urgent need to stop Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinians. During a press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, Bagheri Kani emphasized the importance of immediately halting "Israeli occupation crimes," particularly in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, and ensuring the prompt and unconditional delivery of aid. The two ministers condemned foreign interference in the

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CHINA-BEIJING-WANG YI-SYRIAN FM-MEETING (CN)

(240529) -- BEIJING, May 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who is in China for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2024. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Yan Yan)

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CHINA-BEIJING-WANG YI-SYRIAN FM-MEETING (CN)

(240529) -- BEIJING, May 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who is in China for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2024. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Yan Yan)

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CHINA-BEIJING-WANG YI-SYRIAN FM-MEETING (CN)

(240529) -- BEIJING, May 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who is in China for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

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CHINA-BEIJING-WANG YI-SYRIAN FM-MEETING (CN)

(240529) -- BEIJING, May 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who is in China for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-CZECH-OFFICIAL-VISIT

(240501) -- DAMASCUS, May 1, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) meets with visiting Radek Rubes, state secretary of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, in Damascus, Syria, April 30, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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Iran vows response to Israel's attack on consulate in Damascus

STORY: Iran vows response to Israel's attack on consulate in Damascus SHOOTING TIME: April 8, 2024 DATELINE: April 9, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:44 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. shot of the Syrian foreign minister and Iranian foreign minister entering the conference hall 2. various of the conference 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Persian): HOSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN, Iranian Foreign Minister 4. wide shot of the conference 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Persian): HOSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN, Iranian Foreign Minister 6. various of the conference 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 8. wide shot of the conference 9. SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 10. end of the conference 11. various of the meeting between Syrian foreign minister and his Iranian counterpart 12. various of the meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian foreign minister STORYLINE: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated on Monday that "Israel will receive the necessary respon

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Iranian FM opens new consulate in Damascus following Israeli strike

STORY: Iranian FM opens new consulate in Damascus following Israeli strike SHOOTING TIME: April 8, 2024 DATELINE: April 9, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:03 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the new Iranian consulate in Damascus 2. various of Iranian foreign minister and Syrian foreign minister attending the inauguration ceremony of the new consulate 3. various of the meeting between Syrian foreign minister and his counterpart Iranian foreign minister 4. various of the meeting between Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and Iranian foreign minister STORYLINE: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian opened a new consulate building in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, following the destruction of the previous consulate by an Israeli strike last week. Amir-Abdollahian, alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, attended the inauguration ceremony of the new consulate, situated next to the previous building that was demolished by an Israeli missile attack just days ago.

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FM-VISIT

(240408) -- DAMASCUS, April 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (2nd, R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (2nd, L) attend a press conference in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian reaffirmed that Israel will receive "the necessary response" for its attack on the consulate, while also blaming the United States for the incident. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FM-VISIT

(240408) -- DAMASCUS, April 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian reaffirmed that Israel will receive "the necessary response" for its attack on the consulate, while also blaming the United States for the incident. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FM-VISIT

(240408) -- DAMASCUS, April 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian attend a press conference in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian reaffirmed that Israel will receive "the necessary response" for its attack on the consulate, while also blaming the United States for the incident. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-NEW-CONSULATE-INAUGURATION

(240408) -- DAMASCUS, April 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and other officials pray for victims of Israeli attack on Iran consulate, in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian opened a new consulate building in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, following the destruction of the previous consulate by an Israeli strike last week. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-NEW-CONSULATE-INAUGURATION

(240408) -- DAMASCUS, April 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (C) and Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (L, Front) inaugurate the new Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian opened a new consulate building in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, following the destruction of the previous consulate by an Israeli strike last week. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-NEW-CONSULATE-INAUGURATION

(240408) -- DAMASCUS, April 8, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and other officials check the site of Israeli attack on Iran consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian opened a new consulate building in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, following the destruction of the previous consulate by an Israeli strike last week. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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Iranian ambassador to Syria vows retaliation against Israeli attack on embassy

STORY: Iranian ambassador to Syria vows retaliation against Israeli attack on embassy SHOOTING TIME: April 1, 2024 DATELINE: April 2, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of damage at the targeted site 2. various of Iranian ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari 3. various of Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad STORYLINE: Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari has promised that Iran will respond to Israel's attack on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus earlier on Monday with equal force. Following the Israeli missile strike on the consulate building of the Iranian embassy, Akbari told reporters that five of his colleagues lost their lives in the attack, while two Iranian embassy guards were injured. Israel "has clearly violated international laws. When will international organizations, which are meant to enforce these laws, take action?" Akbari said. The Iranian ambassador issued a warning that Iran will not let Israel's actions go u

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UN envoy expresses concerns about Syria's situation, urges for de-escalation

STORY: UN envoy expresses concerns about Syria's situation, urges for de-escalation SHOOTING TIME: March 17, 2024 DATELINE: March 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:12 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen 2. various of UN vehicles entering the hotel 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GEIR PEDERSEN, UN Special Envoy for Syria 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): GEIR PEDERSEN, UN Special Envoy for Syria 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): GEIR PEDERSEN, UN Special Envoy for Syria STORYLINE: United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed concerns about the current situation in Syria during his visit to the country on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation. Following a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, Pedersen highlighted the country's challenges regarding security, economy, and the political process. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GEIR PEDERSEN, UN Special Envoy for Syria "The

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Arab League chief meets Syrian FM, slams Israel's Gaza attacks

STORY: Arab League chief meets Syrian FM, slams Israel's Gaza attacks SHOOTING TIME: March 5, 2024 DATELINE: March 6, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:46 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Arab League 2. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit met with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad on Tuesday to discuss the regional situation, ahead of a ministerial meeting of the Arab League Council on Wednesday, the league said in a statement. The meeting condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip, and criticized the international community's failure to stop the bloodshed and hold Israel accountable for its violations of human rights and international law, the statement said. Aboul-Gheit also reaffirmed the league's support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the withdrawal of all foreign forces that are present in the country without its consent, the statement added. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting

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Syrian FM vows to defy unauthorized foreign forces in Syria

STORY: Syrian FM vows to defy unauthorized foreign forces in Syria SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 11, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 12, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:20 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ministers entering 2. various of the press conference 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Persian): HOSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN, Iranian Foreign Minister STORYLINE: Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad reiterated on Sunday that Syria's top priority is to defy the presence of any unauthorized foreign forces on its territory. At a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the Syrian capital Damascus, Mekdad said it is a priority of the Syrian leadership to end the Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights. Another top task is to "liberate" occupied territories in eastern Syria from American forces and those in northern Syria from the Turks, he noted. SOUNDBITE

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FMS-PRESS CONFERENCE

(240212) -- DAMASCUS, Feb. 12, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) speaks at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Damascus, Syria on Feb. 11, 2024. Mekdad reiterated on Sunday that Syria's top priority is to defy the presence of any unauthorized foreign forces on its territory. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FMS-PRESS CONFERENCE

(240212) -- DAMASCUS, Feb. 12, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad speaks at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Damascus, Syria on Feb. 11, 2024. Mekdad reiterated on Sunday that Syria's top priority is to defy the presence of any unauthorized foreign forces on its territory. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FMS-PRESS CONFERENCE

(240212) -- DAMASCUS, Feb. 12, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Syria on Feb. 11, 2024. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad reiterated on Sunday that Syria's top priority is to defy the presence of any unauthorized foreign forces on its territory. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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JORDAN-AMMAN-SAUDI ARABIA-IRAQ-EGYPT-SYRIA-FM-MEETING

(230501) -- AMMAN, May 1, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (Front) attends a meeting in Amman, Jordan, on May 1, 2023. Foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt and Syria met on Monday to discuss a political solution to Syria's humanitarian, security and political crises. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

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1st UAE ambassador to Syria in 13 years takes post

STORY: 1st UAE ambassador to Syria in 13 years takes post SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 30, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 31, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:23 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of meeting between UAE ambassador and Syrian foreign ministry 2. various of Syrian foreign ministry 3. various of UAE embassy in Damascus STORYLINE: Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi on Tuesday officially presented his credentials to Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, becoming the first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Syria in 13 years. At his meeting with Mekdad in the Syrian capital Damascus, al-Shihi conveyed to the Syrian side his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, the official Syrian news agency SANA reported. The UAE envoy also pledged to work to strengthen cooperation and achieve mutual progress between the two Arab states, the report said. For his part, Mekdad expressed Syria's deep appreciation for the UAE's solidarity with and support for Syria during chall

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-UAE-NEW AMBASSADOR

(240130) -- DAMASCUS, Jan. 30, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Newly-appointed United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Syria Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi (L) presents his credentials to Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 30, 2024. Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi on Tuesday officially presented his credentials to Faisal Mekdad, becoming the first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Syria in 13 years. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-UAE-NEW AMBASSADOR

(240130) -- DAMASCUS, Jan. 30, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Newly-appointed United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Syria Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi (L) meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 30, 2024. Hassan Ahmad al-Shihi on Tuesday officially presented his credentials to Faisal Mekdad, becoming the first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Syria in 13 years. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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Syria, Lebanon call for immediate stop to deadly Israel-Hamas conflict

STORY: Syria, Lebanon call for immediate stop to deadly Israel-Hamas conflict DATELINE: Oct. 24, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:09 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Syrian Foreign Ministry 2. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Syria and Lebanon on Monday jointly condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and called for an immediate stop to the deadly Israel-Hamas conflict. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad met with his visiting Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib in the Syrian capital of Damascus, where they underscored the importance of continued consultation and strategic alignment to address the pressing common challenges, Syria's state news agency SANA reported. During the visit, both sides reiterated their unwavering commitment to addressing the plight of the Palestinian people, stressing unconditional and immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They vehemently rejected any attempts aimed at the displacement of the Palestinians or delegitimization of the

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-LEBANON-FMS-MEETING

(231023) -- DAMASCUS, Oct. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) meets with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in the Syrian capital of Damascus, Oct. 23, 2023. Syria and Lebanon on Monday jointly condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and called for an immediate stop to the deadly Israel-Hamas conflict. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FMS-PRESS CONFERENCE

(231013) -- DAMASCUS, Oct. 13, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) speaks during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 13, 2023. Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad cautioned Israel and its allies on Friday against any escalation of the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza into the broader region. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FMS-PRESS CONFERENCE

(231013) -- DAMASCUS, Oct. 13, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian attend a joint press conference in Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 13, 2023. Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad cautioned Israel and its allies on Friday against any escalation of the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza into the broader region. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-FOREIGN MINISTER-INTERVIEW

(230922) -- DAMASCUS, Sept. 22, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Damascus, Syria, Sept. 20, 2023. TO GO WITH "Interview: Syrian FM highlights China's growing global role, expecting deeper cooperation" (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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Syrian FM hopes for enhanced relations as Assad visits China

STORY: Syrian FM hopes for enhanced relations as Assad visits China DATELINE: Sept. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:28 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Hangzhou, China 2. various of Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad's interview with Xinhua 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 4. various of the building of Syrian Foreign Ministry 5. various of Hangzhou 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 8. various of venues of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou STORYLINE: As the 19th Asian Games will kick off on Saturday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is one of the foreign leaders who will attend the opening ceremony in China's Hangzhou. In an interview with Xinhua ahead of Assad's visit, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad expressed hope that this visit will further advance the friendly relationship between the two countries. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Forei

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-IRAN-FOREIGN MINISTERS-JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE

(230831) -- DAMASCUS, Aug. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) speaks in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Damascus, Syria, Aug. 30, 2023. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian jointly warned on Wednesday the United States against its reported military buildup along the Syrian-Iraqi border. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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Syria, Iran warn against U.S. military buildup along Syrian-Iraqi border

STORY: Syria, Iran warn against U.S. military buildup along Syrian-Iraqi border DATELINE: Aug. 31, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:11 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS/MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of meeting between Syrian FM Faisal Mekdad and Iranian FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 3. various of the conference 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 5. various of the conference 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Persian): HUSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN, Iranian Foreign Minister STORYLINE: Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Iranian counterpart Hussein Amir-Abdollahian jointly warned on Wednesday the United States against its reported military buildup along the Syrian-Iraqi border. In a press conference held in the Syrian capital of Damascus, the two ministers expressed concerns over the apparent U.S. efforts to amass forces and allied rebel groups along the Syrian-Iraqi border, from the northeastern Syrian province of Hasakah to the southeas

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Egyptian, Syrian FMs discuss Arab efforts to settle Syrian crisis

STORY: Egyptian, Syrian FMs discuss Arab efforts to settle Syrian crisis DATELINE: Aug. 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:44 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of exterior views of the Foreign Ministry 2. various of the meeting between Egyptian and Syrian foreign ministers 3. various of exterior views of the Foreign Ministry STORYLINE: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks on Tuesday with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad in Cairo, where they discussed the ongoing Arab efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis. The talks were held during Mekdad's visit to Cairo to take part in a meeting of the Arab Ministerial Liaison Committee on Syria, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in a statement. During the meeting, Shoukry stressed the keenness of the Arab committee to resolve "the protracted Syrian crisis" in order to help the Syrian people and preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Syria. For his part, Mekdad updated his Egyptian counterpart on the recent developments in Syria an

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Arab approach to Syrian crisis "serious": Jordanian FM

STORY: Arab approach to Syrian crisis "serious": Jordanian FM DATELINE: July 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:45 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi 2. a shot for ministers entering the conference hall 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AYMAN SAFADI, Jordanian Foreign Minister 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FAISAL MEKDAD, Syrian Foreign Minister 5. a shot for the conference STORYLINE: Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Monday that the Arab approach to resolving the Syrian crisis is "serious," stressing the need to take practical steps toward ending the crisis. Safadi made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad during his visit to Syria. The minister visited Syria to discuss the Jordanian initiative to address the Syrian crisis, which adopts a step-by-step approach with humanitarian, military-security and political concerns. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AYM

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Iraqi leaders, Syrian FM vow to boost ties, cooperation

STORY: Iraqi leaders, Syrian FM vow to boost ties, cooperation DATELINE: June 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:28 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Syrian foreign minister's visit to Baghdad STORYLINE: Iraqi leaders met on Sunday with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Baghdad to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani stressed the importance of the integrity of the Syrian territories to Iraq and the interconnection of Iraqi national security with Syria's security during a meeting with Mekdad, said the Prime Minister Media Office in a statement. He expressed Iraq's full readiness to help the Syrian people to overcome their suffering and crises, it said. For his part, Mekdad extended a visit invitation from the Syrian president to al-Sudani to further strengthen bilateral relations and joint actions to consolidate security and stability in the region, said the statement. During his

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IRAQ-BAGHDAD-SYRIAN FM-VISIT

(230604) -- BAGHDAD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Baghdad, Iraq, June 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

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IRAQ-BAGHDAD-SYRIAN FM-VISIT

(230604) -- BAGHDAD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Baghdad, Iraq, June 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

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SAUDI ARABIA-JEDDAH-ARAB FMS-MEETING

(230518) -- JEDDAH, May 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (C) attends Arab foreign ministers' meeting ahead of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 17, 2023. Arab foreign ministers met on Wednesday in the Saudi city of Jeddah ahead of the annual Arab League Summit, the Al Arabiya news channel reported. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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JORDAN-AMMAN-SAUDI ARABIA-IRAQ-EGYPT-SYRIA-FM-MEETING

(230501) -- AMMAN, May 1, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (Front) attends a meeting in Amman, Jordan, on May 1, 2023. Foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt and Syria met on Monday to discuss a political solution to Syria's humanitarian, security and political crises. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

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Tunisian president appoints new ambassador to Syria

STORY: Tunisian president appoints new ambassador to Syria DATELINE: April 28, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:49 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Tunisian ambassador to Syria being sworn in 2. various of Tunisian President issuing appointment letter 3. various of group photo STORYLINE: Tunisian President Kais Saied has appointed Mohamed Mhadhbi as the country's new ambassador to Syria, according to a statement released by the presidency on Thursday. Saied presented his credentials to the new Tunisian ambassador to Syria during a ceremony held at the Carthage Palace in the capital Tunis. The Tunisian president met with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad last week as the two countries moved to resume diplomatic relations severed since February 2012, about one year after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tunis. (XHTV)

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Tunisian president meets Syrian FM to strengthen ties

STORY: Tunisian president meets Syrian FM to strengthen ties DATELINE: April 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:39 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Tunisian President Kais Saied meeting with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad STORYLINE: Tunisian President Kais Saied met on Tuesday with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as the two countries moved to resume diplomatic relations, said a statement released by the Tunisian presidency. "During the meeting, Saied affirmed Tunisia's firm keenness to resume the strong and historical ties of brotherhood and cooperation between Tunisia and Syria," reads the statement. The Tunisian president also highlighted the importance of increasing opportunities and frameworks for bilateral consultation and coordination in various fields, according to the statement. According to a previous statement released by the Tunisian Foreign Ministry, "Mekdad's visit came within the framework of willingness to restore bilateral relations between Sy

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Saudi FM pays 1st visit to Syria in 12 years

STORY: Saudi FM pays 1st visit to Syria in 12 years DATELINE: April 19, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:39 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister arriving at Damascus International Airport (courtesy of SYRIAN STATE TV) STORYLINE: Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus Tuesday afternoon, the first visit of a Saudi official to Syria in 12 years, according to the state news agency SANA. The visit comes days after Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited the kingdom as part of the efforts to restore normal relations between the two countries. During Mekdad's visit to Saudi Arabia, an agreement was made to restore consulate services and resume air flights between the two countries. This comes amid notable Arab efforts to fix stranded ties with Damascus after the Syrian war broke out in 2011. Last week, diplomats from nine Arab countries met in the Saudi city of Jeddah to discuss Syria's return to the

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Syrian FM visits Egypt for 1st time in over 10 years

STORY: Syrian FM visits Egypt for 1st time in over 10 years DATELINE: April 2, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:34 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egypt's Foreign Ministry in Cairo 2. various of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad STORYLINE: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks on Saturday with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad who is visiting Cairo for the first time in more than a decade, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The two ministers "discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and means of advancing and promoting them in addition to a number of regional and international issues of common concern," said Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid in a statement. Shoukry reiterated Egypt's full support to efforts aiming at reaching "a comprehensive political settlement" and achieving national reconciliation in Syria. Achieving a comprehensive political settlement "will put an end to foreign interferen

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EGYPT-CAIRO-SYRIAN FM-VISIT

(230402) -- CAIRO, April 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (R) talks with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Cairo, Egypt, on April 1, 2023. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks on Saturday with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad who is visiting Cairo for the first time in more than a decade, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

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EGYPT-CAIRO-SYRIAN FM-VISIT

(230402) -- CAIRO, April 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (R) talks with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Cairo, Egypt, on April 1, 2023. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks on Saturday with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad who is visiting Cairo for the first time in more than a decade, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

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Iran welcomes upcoming meeting by deputy FMs of Syria, Türkiye, Iran, Russia

STORY: Iran welcomes upcoming meeting by deputy FMs of Syria, Türkiye, Iran, Russia DATELINE: March 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the joint press conference 2. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Thursday voiced support for the upcoming quadripartite meeting of the deputy foreign ministers of Syria, Türkiye, Iran and Russia in Moscow. In a joint press conference held with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran welcomes the quadripartite meeting "to reach increased cooperation and get out of crises." The Iranian top diplomat said Iran welcomes any initiative in the field of development and talks in the region. Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Syria earlier in the day from Türkiye, where he met with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, who announced on Wednesday that the quadripartite meeting of deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Türkiye, Syria and Iran would b

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SYRIA-DAMASCUS-EGYPT-FM-VISIT

(230228) -- DAMASCUS, Feb. 28, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) holds talks with visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Damascus, Syria, Feb. 27, 2023. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

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Syria demands "absolute positiveness" from Türkiye to restore relations

STORY: Syria demands "absolute positiveness" from Türkiye to restore relations DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:58 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting between Syrian foreign minister and his counterpart from Iran 2. Iranian and Syrian flags 3. cameras at the press conference 4. various of Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad speaking 5. various of the press conference 6. various of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaking STORYLINE: Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad on Saturday said that Türkiye should show "absolute positiveness," mainly by ending its occupation of Syrian territories, in order to restore its relations with Syria. Mekdad made the remarks at a joint press conference with his visiting Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the Syrian capital of Damascus following Amir-Abdollahian's meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "We urge the other concerned parties to practice absolute positiveness in this rega