Syria Stops Leap Forward From 'Normal Country' From New Year...Initiating diplomatic relations

Syria sends delegation to Saudi Arabia...First foreign visit
Syrian Transitional Government Favors Iran...There is no answer yet"
Syrian transitional government moves to have a 'normal government'
Transitional government "Dismantle rebel organizations and integrate them into regular troops"

[Anchor]
Syria's transitional government, led by rebels who ousted Assad's regime, is stepping up efforts to become a normal country starting in the new year.

Internally, the government and military organizations were reorganized, and externally, diplomatic activities were started to build relations with various countries.

Correspondent Jo Su-hyun reports from London.

[Reporter]
A high-level delegation from the Syrian transitional government visited Saudi Arabia on New Year's Day.

It is the first official visit to a foreign country since the rebels, who declared victory in the civil war on the 8th of last month, established a transitional government.

Foreign Minister al-Shibani called Saudi Arabia a "sister country" and stressed that he expects to build new and bright bilateral relations.

The transitional government has also shown favor to Iran, which has been a supporter of Assad's regime, but says a positive gesture has not yet returned.

In the meantime, Western countries such as the United States, which broke up ties with Syria during the Assad regime, have sent delegations to continue contacting the transitional government.

Ukrainian President Zelensky, who was briefed on his foreign minister's visit to Syria, also said he was preparing to resume diplomatic relations.

[Volodymyr Zelensky / President of Ukraine: This year, we can add more countries to our list of trusted partners. Syria is one of them.]

The Syrian interim government is also moving internally to take on the shape of a normal government.

They decided to dismantle various rebel groups and integrate them into regular forces, and for the first time ever appointed a female central bank governor.

He also said he would work to embrace all sects and ensure freedom of speech and expression.

[Abdulaman al-Habib / Citizens of Damascus: I hope the new year will improve our society and ensure peace and security]

[Avir Homeshi / Damascus Citizen] It will go back to the days when people loved each other and celebrated together, whether it was Ramadan or Christmas.]

The transitional government predicted that it could take about a year for the people to feel fundamental changes and several more years for the president to be elected through elections.

In the future, what kind of regime will enter Syria and how to establish relations with neighboring countries such as Iran is expected to act as a new variable in the situation in the Middle East.

I'm Jo Suhyun of YTN in London.

Filming of
: Yoo Hyun-woo