- 'I got congratulations and encouraging words from Christian, Muslim, Druze, Alawite, and Ismaili religious leaders. We have worked for many years in the field of civil society, engaging in intergenerational dialogue. We have had colleagues from all religions and sects'

DAMASCUS, Syria / ISTANBUL 

Syria's newly appointed social affairs and labor minister in the freshly established interim government said she has gotten messages of support from all sectors of society, stressing that her position “belongs not to any religion or sect but to all Syrian men and women."

Speaking to Anadolu, Hind Kabawat highlighted that Syria is no longer a country belonging to just one religion or sect.

"I have received congratulations and encouraging words from Christian, Muslim, Druze, Alawite, and Ismaili religious leaders. We have worked for many years in the field of civil society, engaging in intergenerational dialogue. Alongside our Ezidi and Kurdish brothers and sisters, we have had colleagues from all religions and sects," she said.

Technocratic government

Kabawat said Syria’s new government was established late last month based on merit, stating: "This government will consist of technocrats. No appointments were made for personal gain. No one without experience was appointed to their position. Selections were made based on expertise and legal background. This proves that it is a government of experts."

Stating that she has worked in the social services field for years, Kabawat said: "Today, we are offering all of our past experiences to the ministry. Syrians have proven to the world that they are successful wherever they go. I have no doubt that we will build this country on labor and willpower."

Kabawat also emphasized that the concept of minorities should no longer be a divisive tool, saying: "We are Syrians. We are citizens, both men and women. We are all equal."

"To build a new Syria, we must now speak on the basis of citizenship," she added. "This position belongs not to any religion or sect but to all Syrian men and women."

‘We will build ministry together’

Although she has just started her role, Kabawat said she will take swift steps and will meet with ministry staff to establish a common strategy.

She said: "We will build the ministry together, not destroy it. I salute everyone who has worked here in past years and resisted under difficult conditions. With a strategic plan, we will work as one heart. Let’s be patient and trust each other."

‘We are in full partnership with civil society’

Kabawat, who has only been part of the government for a few days, asked the public to be patient, saying: "Today, we are in full partnership between the government and civil society. This ministry is open to all experiences and innovative ideas. One hand by itself cannot make a sound. We expect contributions from all sectors of society."

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29 and announced a transitional government on March 30.