Deir Ezzor, August 6 (SANA)Foreign and Expatriates MinisterAsaad Hassan al-Shaibanisaid the reopening ofDeir Ezzor International Airportis part of a comprehensive national plan to resume operations at Syrian airports, reflecting the priority given to the recovery of the eastern region within the state’s reconstruction efforts.

“The recovery of Syria cannot be complete without the recovery of its east,” al-Shaibani said during the airport’s inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, stressing that Deir Ezzor represents “one of Syria’s hearts,” the capital of the Euphrates region, the gateway to al-Jazeera, and a link between the Levant and Mesopotamia.

He highlighted the province’s agricultural and economic resources, which he said had contributed for decades to strengthening the country’s economic security despite years of marginalization and deprivation.

“The time has come to turn the page on the marginalization that weighed heavily on the province,” al-Shaibani said, noting that Deir Ezzor was a key part of the Syrian revolution and endured major sacrifices, including siege, bombardment, and displacement, while its people remained attached to their national identity.

The foreign minister said the recovery of the eastern region and its return to playing its natural role are essential pillars in Syria’s revival, emphasizing that rebuilding vital facilities is a comprehensive national process that remains among the state’s top priorities.

He added that the rehabilitation of infrastructure contributes to strengthening Syria’s territorial unity, restoring state institutions’ role, and translating Syrians’ sacrifices into a dignified and sustainable life.

Al-Shaibani said the eastern region would remain at the forefront of development priorities, noting that the launch of Deir Ezzor International Airport, following the reopening of Damascus and Aleppo airports and their return to receiving flights and airlines, demonstrates progress in implementing the national plan to rehabilitate Syrian airports.

He explained that the airport’s rehabilitation included its entire infrastructure and navigation systems, enabling it to serve residents of the province and enhance connectivity with other Syrian provinces and the outside world.

Al-Shaibani reiterated that Deir Ezzor and the rest of the eastern provinces would remain a priority for the Syrian state, thanking all parties that contributed to rehabilitating the airport and expressing hope that its reopening would mark a new starting point for development and reconstruction in the province and across Syria.

Earlier on Wednesday, Deir Ezzor International Airport received its first two flights operated by Syrian Airlines: one domestic flight from Damascus and another international flight from Kuwait, after a suspension that lasted for many years.