Qatari PM Visits Syrian Capital Amid Diplomatic Engagement with Spain
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Synopsis
On January 16, 2024, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Damascus, highlighting a significant diplomatic engagement in Syria following the collapse of the previous government in December 2024. This visit coincided with Spain's Foreign Minister's visit, emphasizing Syria's efforts to rebuild international relations.
Key Takeaways
- Qatar's PM visits Damascus amid diplomatic shifts.
- Reopening of Qatar's embassy marks renewed ties.
- Spain's Foreign Minister also visits Syria.
- Focus on Syria's unity and sovereignty.
- High-level talks between Qatar and Syria ongoing.
Damascus, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, arrived in Damascus on Thursday, representing a crucial development in the series of high-profile diplomatic visits to Syria following the collapse of the previous government in December 2024, as reported by Syrian state television.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry characterized this visit as a reaffirmation of Doha's longstanding commitment to supporting our Syrian brothers.
Simultaneously, Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, welcomed Spain's Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, in the capital. These concurrent visits underscore Damascus's enhanced efforts to rebuild international relationships and secure foreign support as the interim government maneuvers through the ongoing transition in the country.
Qatar, a key regional player that severed ties with Syria's former administration during the decade-long conflict, is among the growing number of nations re-engaging with Damascus.
Such diplomatic gestures indicate a transformation in regional dynamics as Syria strives to reestablish its role on the global platform, according to a report from the Xinhua news agency.
Earlier this month in Doha, Al Thani convened with a senior Syrian delegation headed by interim Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani to deliberate on bilateral relations and the latest developments in Syria.
The visiting delegation included Syria's Minister of Defence, Marhaf Abu Qasra, and the Head of the Intelligence Service, Anas Khattab.
The Prime Minister of Qatar reaffirmed his nation's steadfast position in supporting Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence, emphasizing the significance of addressing the aspirations of the Syrian populace.
In response, Al-Shaibani commended Qatar's vital role in assisting the Syrian people, indicating that Qatar would be a crucial partner in the peace process.
On December 21, 2024, Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus, making it the second nation to do so after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. This event marked the first occasion in 13 years that Qatar's national flag was raised over the embassy.
A military coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) initiated a significant offensive from northern Syria on November 27, 2024, capturing Damascus and toppling al-Assad's administration within a span of 12 days.
