Damascus: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Monday vowed that his country is entering a new phase of reconstruction 'worthy of its present and its past,' marking the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a speech after performing the dawn prayer at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Sharaa, wearing a military uniform, told Syrians: 'No one, no matter how great, will stand in our way. No obstacle will stop us, and together we will face every challenge, God willing.'

Sharaa emphasized the unity of Syria, stating that from its north to its south, and from its east to its west, the country would be restored to strength with a rebuilding process worthy of Syria's ancient heritage. He highlighted that the next phase would focus on supporting the vulnerable and ensuring justice among the people.

Sharaa also placed a piece of Kaaba's cloth, presented to him by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, inside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, symbolizing the new chapter for the nation.

Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Sharaa's new transitional administration was formed in January.