Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani has iterated his government’s demand for the United States to lift its sanctions on the country.
He made the call during an interview with reporters on the sidelines of his first visit to Qatar, where he met senior Qatari officials.
The minister raised concerns about ongoing economic sanctions, which he said are “now against the Syrian people” and obstacle to swift economic recovery.
He renewed calls for the United States to lift sanctions to accelerate recovery and “launch the building of a new Syria.”
Shaibani is accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab during the visit.
The visit, made on Sunday, January 5, 2025, visit marks the first official visit to Qatar by officials of Syria’s new administration since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime last month to explore opportunities of cooperation between the two countries.
Following his first overseas visit to Saudi Arabia, Shaibani unveiled on Friday, January 3, 2025, his intention to visit Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan.
Al-Shaibani Outlines Plans For Rebuilding Syria
Moreover, Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani outlined plans for rebuilding Syria during extensive talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha on January 5, 2025.
Al-Shaibani said following the talks, which also included Qatar’s Minister of State, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, “Our meeting with our brothers in Qatar was deep and extensive, discussing fundamental and strategic issues.”
The Syrian Minister presented what he called a roadmap for rebuilding Syria, emphasising plans to “enable Syrian citizens’ civil rights and build a government representing all components of society.”
Al-Shaibani stated that the “new Syria” will enjoy good relations with the region, dominated by peace and joint cooperation, far from the former regime’s relationship pattern with the region, adding that Damascus seeks to repair relations with Arab, regional and international communities.
The minister asserted that the current phase requires “honesty and joint cooperation” with all regional countries to build what he described as “a new Syria of justice, freedom and equality, where citizens feel a sense of belonging.”
Also, Al-Shaibani highlighted Qatar’s “prominent role in supporting the Syrian people” both during previous hardships and current reconstruction efforts, describing Qatar as a “strategic partner.”
Qatar was one of the first countries to express support for Damascus after Assad’s ouster.
Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending his family’s decades-long rule.
Arab states have responded cautiously to Assad’s fall and the takeover by HTS-led Islamist rebels under al-Sharaa, who is also known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.
Earlier Saturday, Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi discussed with Shaibani ways to enhance cooperation between Doha and Damascus during a phone call, according to Qatari authorities.
Khulaifi visited Damascus on Dec. 23, where he met with the leader of Syria’s new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss ways to strengthen relations and support Syria’s future.
Qatar’s position in connecting with the new administration has been strengthened by its close relationship with Turkey, which maintains significant influence with both Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.
he diplomatic engagement also has economic implications, particularly regarding the potential development of a gas pipeline that would connect Qatar through Syria to Turkey.
This infrastructure project could significantly impact regional energy dynamics, allowing European industry to grow with cheap gas away from Russia.
After the Doha visit, Syria’s new foreign minister will be also visiting the UAE and then Jordan.
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