Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Qatar on January 5, 2025, as part of efforts to restore diplomatic ties following the ousting of Bashar Assad. He plans further visits to Jordan and the UAE while advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions that impact the country’s recovery. The humanitarian crisis has prompted calls for a new political roadmap as al-Shibani meets with various global officials.
On January 5, 2025, Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, engaged in discussions with Qatari officials in Doha, including the Prime Minister, as Syria, now under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seeks to revitalize its diplomatic relations both regionally and globally. Mr. al-Shibani expressed plans to visit Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to foster strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering Syria’s security and facilitating its economic recovery.
Prior to his visit to Qatar, Mr. al-Shibani met with the Saudi Foreign Minister in Riyadh and welcomed German and French diplomats in Damascus, reflecting his proactive approach in establishing Syria’s foreign relations following the ousting of President Bashar Assad on December 8, 2024. HTS’s insurgent movement ended a prolonged rule that led to extensive loss of life and widespread destruction in the country. As Syria reorients its strategy, it seeks to mend ties with governments that had severed relations with Mr. Assad due to his brutal suppression of protests during the civil war.
HTS is committed to rebuilding Syria’s economy and is advocating for the lifting of international sanctions that currently cripple the nation. Mr. al-Shibani highlighted the challenges posed by economic sanctions, calling on the United States to reconsider its position. Meanwhile, approximately 90% of the Syrian population currently lives in poverty, with many struggling to secure daily sustenance. Amid these conditions, Mr. al-Sharaa announced plans to hold a national dialogue summit to establish a political roadmap and potentially dissolve HTS, aiming for greater governance efficiency. However, uncertainty remains regarding the likelihood of sanctions being lifted, as concerns persist in the international community about governance under the current Islamist regime.
The political climate in Syria has drastically shifted following the ousting of President Bashar Assad, primarily by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This change comes after nearly a decade of civil conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The international community’s reaction to Assad’s regime, which was supported by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, resulted in widespread diplomatic isolation and the imposition of sanctions. HTS, now in a position of authority in Syria, seeks to establish legitimacy and relations with countries in the region and beyond to aid Syria’s recovery and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
In summary, Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, is actively seeking to restore diplomatic relations and garner support for the country’s recovery following the upheaval led by HTS against President Assad’s regime. By meeting regional counterparts and advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions, al-Shibani aims to stabilize Syria’s deteriorating situation. Despite these efforts, concerns about governance and the treatment of minorities remain obstacles to achieving full international acceptance.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
