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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani Visits Qatar, Calls for US Sanctions Relief Amid 90% Poverty Rate

Jan 5, 2025, 11:42 AM

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday for their first official visit since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The visit aims to foster cooperation and coordination between Syria and Qatar, focusing on supporting stability, security, economic recovery, and building partnerships. During the visit, al-Shaibani met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and other senior officials, discussing strategic issues and the roadmap for Syria's future. Al-Shaibani reiterated calls for the United States to lift sanctions on Syria, which he described as a barrier to the country's rapid recovery and development, especially given that 90% of Syrians live in poverty according to UN statistics. Qatar, which had supported the opposition and not normalized relations with Assad, is seen as a partner in Syria's new phase of recovery. Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus and has been providing aid to Syria. Al-Shaibani plans to visit the United Arab Emirates and Jordan later this week as part of a broader effort to reestablish diplomatic ties and support Syria's political transition.