Qatar Commits to Aiding Syria's Reconstruction and Calls for Sanctions Relief
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On January 17, Qatar's PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced his nation's readiness to assist Syria's new leadership in reconstruction efforts. He emphasized the urgent need to lift sanctions for economic recovery and pledged technical support, including electricity supply, while condemning Israeli actions in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Qatar aims to support Syria's reconstruction.
- Emphasis on lifting sanctions for economic recovery.
- Technical assistance and electricity supply pledged.
- Condemnation of Israeli actions in the demilitarized zone.
- Qatar's Emir plans a visit to Syria soon.
Damascus, Jan 17 (NationPress) Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced that his country is prepared to collaborate with Syria's new administration to rebuild and develop the nation.
During a joint press conference with Syria's interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Thursday, Al Thani highlighted the urgent necessity to lift sanctions on Syria to ensure the continuation of public services and stimulate economic recovery.
"We stand at the brink of a new chapter in Syria's history, and Qatar is extending its hand in partnership," Al Thani stated.
He mentioned that his country will provide technical support to the new Syrian administration for the rehabilitation of Syria's infrastructure and will supply 200 megawatts of electricity, which will gradually increase to cover 10 areas in Syria.
He also indicated that the Emir of Qatar intends to visit Syria soon and announced "significant momentum" in forthcoming Qatari-Syrian projects.
Al Thani condemned Israel's recent actions in the demilitarized zone, calling for an immediate withdrawal.
In his comments, al-Sharaa emphasized that Israel's actions in the buffer zone, claimed to counter Iranian militias, are no longer justified "after the liberation of Damascus."
He reiterated Syria's openness to welcoming international peacekeeping forces and a commitment to upholding the 1974 disengagement accord.
"We have informed global stakeholders of our readiness to host UN troops and ensure their safety," al-Sharaa stated, adding that Qatar will play a crucial role in opposing Israel's incursion and supporting Syria's initial rebuilding efforts.
This press conference signifies a continuation of the new Syrian leadership's intensive diplomatic outreach since assuming power in December 2024.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Damascus on Thursday, marking a significant development in high-level diplomatic visits to Syria following the previous government’s fall in December 2024, as reported by Syrian state television.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry characterized the visit as a reaffirmation of Doha's "longstanding position of supporting our Syrian brothers."
