Official recognition announcements from national governments

Qatar's PM Visits Damascus for First Time Since Assad's Fall, Reaffirms Support for New Syrian Leadership

Jan 16, 2025, 01:53 PM

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Damascus on Thursday for his first visit to Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last month, marking the end of a 13-year break in diplomatic relations. The visit signifies a new phase in the history of Syria and Qatar, with Al Thani meeting Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria's new administration. The Qatari Foreign Ministry emphasized that the visit reaffirms Qatar's commitment to supporting Syria during its transitional period. This follows the reopening of Qatar's embassy in Damascus in late December, after it had been closed since 2011 due to the Assad regime's crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Earlier this month, Doha hosted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, highlighting Qatar's ongoing efforts to foster diplomatic relations with the new Syrian leadership. Al Thani expressed readiness to provide technical support for rebuilding Syria's infrastructure and to assist in meeting the country's energy needs. He also stressed the necessity of lifting sanctions on Syria as soon as possible to aid in the country's recovery. The visit is expected to lead to increased momentum in Qatari-Syrian projects. Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on December 8, marking the end of the Baath Party's regime, which had been in power since 1963. Al Thani also announced that the Emir of Qatar is expected to visit Syria in the near future.