Qatar Resumes Diplomatic Relations with Syria After 13 Years 

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Qatar announced on Sunday that it will reopen its embassy in Syria, marking the restoration of diplomatic ties after a 13-year hiatus. The decision comes as Qatari diplomats met with Syria’s transitional government, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this year. 

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on April 18, 2023, in Damascus, Syria.

In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the embassy in Damascus would resume operations on Tuesday. Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al-Sharif has been appointed as the new head of mission to Syria. 

The diplomatic mission was suspended in July 2011, during the early stages of the uprising against Assad’s regime, which escalated into a prolonged civil war. Unlike several other Arab nations, Qatar refused to normalize relations with Syria under Assad’s leadership. 

Qatar’s foreign ministry described the reopening of the embassy as a show of solidarity with the Syrian people and their revolution. “This decision reflects the State of Qatar’s principled stand with the Syrian people’s revolution and a categorical rejection of the repressive policies of the regime,” the statement said. 

Majed al-Ansari, a foreign ministry spokesperson, confirmed to Qatar News Agency that a Qatari delegation had visited Damascus to finalize procedures for reopening the embassy. The delegation also met with members of the transitional government, emphasizing Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this critical phase. 

During their meetings, the delegation discussed ways to facilitate the delivery of Qatari humanitarian aid and assessed the immediate needs of Syrians. 

In a separate development, sources confirmed that Qatar has established communication with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that played a key role in the military advances leading to Assad’s removal. An official familiar with the matter said the discussions with HTS and other factions focused on maintaining stability and preserving Syria’s public institutions during the transition. 

Governments such as Turkey and the United States, which also opposed Assad’s rule, have acknowledged similar contact with HTS in recent months. 

Qatar’s decision to reopen its embassy underscores a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics following Assad’s ouster and signals increased engagement in Syria’s reconstruction and transitional efforts. 

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