The ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani arrived in Qatar on Sunday. The visit marks his second foreign trip in less than a month as Syria’s new government seeks to strengthen regional ties and secure support for its political and economic transition.
The visit was confirmed by a Qatari official to Reuters, with high-level meetings planned between al-Shibani and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi. The Syrian delegation also includes Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and head of intelligence Anas Khattab, highlighting the strategic and comprehensive nature of the discussions expected to take place.
The recent shift in Syria’s political landscape has prompted a flurry of diplomatic activities. Since the December 8 ousting of Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces, the new government has been working tirelessly to establish itself both domestically and internationally. Al-Shibani’s visit to Qatar represents a crucial step in Syria’s efforts to rebuild and stabilize.
“This visit is part of a broader regional strategy aimed at ensuring stability, security, and economic recovery,” al-Shibani posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “We are committed to building distinguished partnerships that will support Syria’s transition and growth.”
The choice of Qatar as one of the first destinations for al-Shibani’s diplomatic tour is significant. Qatar has played a pivotal role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and has been a key player in various regional conflicts. The meeting with Mohammed Al-Khulaifi is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including political cooperation, economic support, and regional security.
The Syrian official news agency SANA reported that discussions would likely include rebuilding Syria’s war-torn infrastructure, facilitating the return of refugees, and enhancing counter-terrorism efforts. With Qatar’s substantial influence and resources, the Syrian delegation is hopeful for positive outcomes from this engagement.
Al-Shibani’s diplomatic tour is not limited to Qatar. His itinerary includes upcoming visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan. The UAE, in particular, has been a proponent of normalization and economic partnerships in the region, making it a critical ally for Syria in its recovery phase.
According to political analysts, the Gulf states’ support will be instrumental in determining Syria’s trajectory. “Syria’s new leadership is keen to re-establish ties with key regional players,” said Lina Khatib, a Middle East expert. “The cooperation of Gulf states like Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia could provide the economic and political backing necessary for Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into the regional framework.”
Last week, al-Shibani embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia, where he held discussions with Saudi officials about Syria’s political transition and future stability. The meetings underscored Saudi Arabia’s willingness to engage with Syria’s new government and explore avenues for cooperation.
The discussions in Riyadh focused on several critical areas: the reconstruction of Syria, the promotion of political inclusivity, and the mitigation of humanitarian crises. The outcomes of these talks are expected to set the tone for al-Shibani’s subsequent meetings in Qatar, UAE, and Jordan.
Security and economic recovery are at the forefront of Syria’s agenda. The involvement of Syria’s Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra in the Qatari meetings underscores the importance of addressing security concerns. The Syrian government aims to ensure that stability is restored across the nation, paving the way for safe and sustainable development.
Economic recovery is another pressing issue. Syria’s infrastructure has been severely damaged by years of conflict, and the rebuilding process will require significant investment and international cooperation. Al-Shibani’s meetings in Qatar and other Gulf states are expected to explore avenues for economic partnerships, investments, and trade agreements that could jumpstart Syria’s economy.
Al-Shibani’s diplomatic tour also signals a broader shift in Syria’s foreign policy approach. The new government is keen to present itself as a legitimate and cooperative player on the international stage. By engaging with influential regional powers, Syria hopes to rebuild its reputation and secure the support needed for long-term stability.
Experts believe that this diplomatic push is aimed at re-integrating Syria into the Arab League and broader international community. Syria’s re-engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is seen as a strategic move to rebuild alliances and strengthen its position in the region.
Despite the positive momentum, Syria faces numerous challenges. The political landscape remains fragile, and the risk of renewed conflict or instability cannot be overlooked. The new government must also address deep-seated issues such as political inclusivity, human rights, and the return of refugees.
Additionally, securing the support of international players will be crucial. While regional partnerships are vital, Syria will also need to engage with global powers and international organizations to ensure comprehensive support for its transition.
