New York, September 23 (QNA) - Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa said Syria is laying the foundations for a new phase of state-building, with efforts focused on establishing new institutions, reshaping the country's political and legal framework and restoring its place in the region.

Speaking at an Atlantic Council event in New York, President Al Sharaa said Syria is building a new army and state institutions, reviewing existing laws, and drafting a new constitution.

The Syrian President noted that Israel continues to carry out attacks, incursions, arrests, and bombardments inside Syria, stressing that the Golan is Syrian territory and that Damascus has chosen the diplomatic path to address these violations.

Addressing the foreign military presence in Syria, Al Sharaa said the number of Russian bases has been reduced from around 170 bases to two, with the remaining bases converted into training facilities for the Syrian army. He added that the Turkish military presence was being regulated within legal frameworks.

Al Sharaa also discussed Syria's relations with the United States and regional countries, as well as issues related to reconstruction, economic recovery and investment. He stressed the importance of lifting sanctions and creating the conditions necessary for Syria to re-engage with the regional and international community. (QNA)