Syria’s New Foreign Minister Engages with Qatar to Restore Ties
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Qatar to discuss restoring diplomatic relations amid efforts to lift sanctions affecting the country’s economy. His meetings with regional leaders reflect Syria’s intention to improve ties after the HTS-led insurgency that ousted Bashar al-Assad. Al-Shibani plans further visits to Jordan and the UAE to develop partnerships for Syria’s recovery.
Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Doha to engage in discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This visit follows al-Shibani’s recent meetings with his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh and the French and German Foreign Ministers in Damascus. Al-Shibani’s engagements indicate Syria’s intention to restore diplomatic relations and garner support from regional nations amid ongoing challenges related to its economy and security under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Furthermore, al-Shibani announced plans to visit Jordan and the United Arab Emirates aimed at establishing strategic partnerships.
In the aftermath of a devastating civil war which resulted in the deaths of approximately 500,000 individuals, the Syrian government, led by Bashar al-Assad and supported by Russia and Iran, faced widespread international condemnation and sanctions. The HTS-led insurgency that contributed to the abrupt shift in power dynamics has prompted Syrian authorities to seek renewed diplomatic ties with Arab states previously at odds with Assad’s regime. The dire economic conditions, with around 90% of the populace living in poverty, necessitate international support and the lifting of sanctions imposed due to the government’s oppressive tactics against demonstrators during the uprising that began in 2011.
The recent diplomatic efforts by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani illustrate Syria’s strategic objective to mend relations with key regional players such as Qatar, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. As tensions persist regarding the sanctions and the political future of the country, Syria’s leaders are faced with the immense challenge of addressing internal divisions while seeking international recognition and economic assistance. Despite ongoing diplomatic overtures, the extent to which sanctions will be lifted remains uncertain, particularly in light of concerns expressed by Western nations about governance under HTS.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
