The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa held official talks in Doha on Tuesday.
The Qatari Emiri Diwan said in a statement that they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, particularly in the political and diplomatic spheres.
According to the Emiri Diwan statement, the Emir of Qatar expressed his hope that the Syrian President's first visit to Doha would contribute to advancing cooperation between the two countries to broader horizons.
For his part, the Syrian President affirmed his country's keenness to develop bilateral relations and enhance joint coordination to serve the interests of both countries and peoples.
The talks also addressed the most prominent regional and international developments, and exchanged views on ways to enhance security and stability in the region, according to the Qatari Emiri Diwan statement.
The talks were attended from the Qatari side by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief of the Emiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, and a number of senior officials.
The talks were also attended from the Syrian side by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shaibani and a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the Syrian President.
Al-Sharaa arrived in Doha earlier today, Tuesday, on a visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and discussing a number of issues, most notably Qatar's efforts to support the new Syrian state.
During the visit, Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with a number of officials and businessmen in the country.
According to the Qatar News Agency, Qatar affirmed its unwavering support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace and justice, expressing its readiness to cooperate with the Syrian administration on various international issues, most notably the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria.
Al-Sharaa's move is part of diplomatic efforts to garner Arab support for lifting the sanctions that are hindering reconstruction plans in the country. This is an issue he also raised during his visit to the UAE on Monday and is currently discussing during his visit to Doha.
Stabilization Steps
The Syrian president's visit follows a series of steps taken by the new Syrian government to enhance stability, including an agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian armed forces, the formation of a new government, and efforts to end armed presence outside state institutions.
The visit also falls within the context of Arab openness to Damascus, coming less than three months after the visit of the Emir of Qatar to the Syrian capital, becoming the first Arab leader to visit the country since the end of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Observers believe that the Emir of Qatar's visit last January carried messages of political and moral support for the Syrians, especially in light of the transformations taking place in the country and its need for comprehensive support to rebuild the state on foundations that guarantee the dignity and rights of citizens and meet their legitimate aspirations.
On January 16, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met with President al-Sharaa in Damascus. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and issues of joint cooperation, emphasizing Syria's unity, independence, and sovereignty.
On January 5, a high-level Syrian delegation visited Doha, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab. The delegation held meetings with Qatari officials to discuss humanitarian and development needs in Syria.
On December 16, 2024, Qatar announced the resumption of its embassy in Damascus, nearly 13 years after severing ties with the Syrian regime in 2011. This move was described as an embodiment of its principled position in support of the Syrian people and their revolution, and its efforts to contribute to the reconstruction of Syria.
Humanitarian and Development Support
As part of Qatar's ongoing support, the "Al-Amal Residential City" was recently inaugurated in northern Syria. This project aims to shelter those affected by crises and provide decent housing for the displaced, in partnership between Qatar Charity and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation.
The city includes 1,400 housing units equipped to accommodate more than 8,800 people, along with integrated service facilities, including schools, health centers, a mosque, and markets, providing a more stable life.
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