Top Arab diplomats visited the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Monday, marking a significant diplomatic shift as Syria emerges from years of isolation under President Bashar al-Assad.
The visits by ministers from Jordan and Qatar, occurring just two weeks after al-Assad's ousting, indicate a desire among Arab nations to improve relations with Syria, which had previously been viewed as a pariah and a source of regional instability.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, engaged in “extensive talks” with Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, in Damascus, according to a statement from the Jordanian foreign ministry. Shortly thereafter, Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, arrived in Syria for discussions with the new leadership, as reported by the Qatari foreign ministry.
These visits represent the first high-level Arab diplomatic engagements with Syria since al-Assad was removed from power by a rebel coalition led by al-Shara. Arab diplomats had previously pledged to support a peaceful transition process in Syria during a meeting in Jordan earlier this month.
Most Arab nations severed ties with al-Assad’s government following his violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011, which led to a civil war. However, after years of funding anti-Assad factions, some of his former adversaries have shifted their stance, hoping that renewed engagement could foster regional stability.
Last year, Saudi Arabia invited al-Assad to the Arab League summit, marking a significant thaw in relations after Syria's membership was suspended for over a decade. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results, as al-Assad continued his oppressive tactics. Analysts suggest that Arab nations now see a fresh opportunity with new leadership in Syria.
Despite initial concerns regarding al-Shara’s past associations with Al Qaeda, his assurances of a pragmatic and inclusive government have been positively received. Regional states are eager to engage with this new leadership.
The influx of Arab delegations signals a potential shift in regional alliances. Although Syria is predominantly Sunni Muslim, the Assad regime has historically supported Iran, a Shiite-majority nation. Arab states view this moment as an opportunity to alter that dynamic.
Qatar, which had previously resisted reconciliation with al-Assad, sent a high-ranking diplomat, Al-Khulaifi, to express support for the new government. Following their meeting, Al-Khulaifi emphasized the need for support for Syria and its people during this critical phase.
Al-Shara acknowledged Qatar’s ongoing assistance throughout the conflict and expressed gratitude for its willingness to invest in Syria’s infrastructure, including energy, ports, and airports.
The Qatari delegation included a technical team from Qatar Airways, which aimed to assess the readiness of Damascus International Airport to resume operations after being closed due to the conflict.
Jordan’s foreign minister, Safadi, reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people while addressing concerns related to the presence of approximately 620,000 registered Syrian refugees in Jordan. He emphasized that their return must be “voluntary and safe” and raised issues of terrorism, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking that have affected Jordan.
The foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, also communicated with Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, expressing support for a comprehensive transitional phase. The UAE has historically been cautious of the Islamist elements within the rebel movement and was the first Arab nation to re-establish ties with the Assad government in 2018.
During meetings with both Jordanian and Qatari delegations, al-Shara opted for formal attire, signaling a desire to enhance his image and rebuild Syria’s relations with the international community.
On the previous day, al-Shara met with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan and prominent Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, both of whom presented their respective concerns while offering support.
Turkey, which hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees, seeks stability in Syria to facilitate their eventual return, while also aiming to align Syria more closely with its regional interests. Although al-Shara’s faction was not financed by Turkey, the country intends to leverage its influence through the presence of various rebel groups.
Jumblatt, representing the Druze minority, sought reassurances rather than influence, given the Assad regime's historical interference in Lebanese politics and its involvement in the assassinations of prominent Lebanese figures.
In his discussions with the Lebanese delegation, al-Shara acknowledged the Assad regime's past role as a “source of fear and anxiety” for Lebanon and committed to ending Syria’s “negative interference” in Lebanese affairs.