ANKARA

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa said Monday that Syria is entering a new phase in its history and faces a long and difficult road following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Speaking at the People's Palace in Damascus after the Eid al-Fitr holiday prayer, Al-Sharaa said: “Syria is writing a new history, and before us lies a long and difficult road. We possess all the foundations for rebuilding at every level, and what is required of us is to work together without discord.”

His remarks came as Syrians across the country marked their first Eid al-Fitr since Assad’s departure. Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8 after anti-regime groups seized control of Damascus, ending the Baath Party's rule, which began in 1963.

Al-Sharaa also announced that a new government had been formed two days earlier to replace the interim administration. The new Cabinet includes 22 ministers, among them one woman.

“We announced the formation of the Syrian government two days ago, moving away from sectarian quotas and toward inclusive participation,” he said.

He added that “much effort went into forming this government to ensure the selection of competent and experienced ministers whose priority is rebuilding this nation.”

Eid prayers were held at mosques across Syria on Monday, with many viewing the holiday as symbolic of a new chapter in the country’s post-Assad era.