Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi underlined the key role of clergymen and enlightened religious discourse in fortifying society, spreading awareness, and enhancing the values of citizenship, love, and tolerance among the Syrian people in the current crisis. Meeting Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, al-Halaqi stressed that the steadfastness and unity of the Syrian people have foiled all attempts to spread the criminal takfiri and terrorist thinking. He noted that there is a real Syrian willingness to solve the crisis through national dialogue in parallel with combating terrorism. In turn, Patriarch Aphrem II stressed that Syria will remain an example of unity and co-existence despite the war which targets it, expressing confidence in the Syrian people’s ability to achieve victory. He appreciated the Syrian government’s efforts to fight terrorism, enhance national unity, and improve the state of the economic and services sectors.