New Syrian leaders say they want to contribute to 'regional peace'

People wave independence-era Syrian flags during celebrations for the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad at the main Ummayad Square in the capital Damascus on December 20, 2024. Islamist-led rebels took Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. [AFP]

Syria wants to contribute to "regional peace", the country's new authorities said late Friday, after a meeting between leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and a US diplomatic delegation.

"The Syrian side indicated that the Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region and that Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said.