Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani made a historic visit to Damascus on Thursday, becoming the first Arab leader to set foot in the Syrian capital since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. This visit marks a significant diplomatic shift and signals potential regional engagement with Syria after years of isolation.
Upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, the Emir was warmly welcomed by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, along with a high-level delegation that included Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra, and several officials from the Qatari Embassy in Damascus. The official visit, reported by the Qatar News Agency (QNA), underscores a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions between the Qatari delegation and Syrian officials centered on rebuilding Syria, focusing on key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, banking, services essential for economic recovery, health, and education. Qatari Minister of State at the foreign ministry, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, emphasized Qatar's commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and contributing to infrastructure development, including electricity.
This diplomatic engagement follows a series of significant moves by both countries to bolster their bilateral relations. Earlier in January, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with President Al-Sharaa. Additionally, Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus in December, which had been closed since July 2011 following the onset of Syria's conflict-ridden revolution, during which Qatar supported the opposition.
Qatar's efforts in Syria have been noteworthy on the humanitarian front, consistently sending urgent humanitarian aid to Damascus since the fall of al-Assad's regime. Syrian factions, led by Al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, took control of Damascus on December 8 after a rapid advance across the country, leading to the collapse of the Baath party's 61-year rule.
In a further commitment to Syria's recovery, Qatar announced plans to supply 200 megawatts of electricity to the country, with intentions to gradually increase the supply, according to a Reuters report. This support is crucial for Syria's rebuilding efforts, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of prolonged conflict.
In a related development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who visited Damascus last week, stated that the kingdom is actively engaging with the US, Europe, and other countries to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria. The objective is to facilitate the flow of investment and resources into the country, enabling its recovery. Saudi Arabia has already begun delivering significant quantities of humanitarian aid to Syria.
Earlier in January, Syria's Trade Minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan expressed the country's challenges in making deals to import essential goods such as fuel and wheat due to stringent US sanctions imposed during Assad's rule. These sanctions, dating back to 1979, when the US designated Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, have significantly impacted the country's economy.
The historic visit by Qatar’s Emir and the subsequent diplomatic engagements indicate a potential shift in regional dynamics and a renewed focus on rebuilding and stabilizing Syria. As Arab leaders come together to support Syria's recovery, the hope is to bring lasting peace and prosperity to the war-torn nation.
