The Qatar News Agency (QNA) highlighted a shift in Qatar's stance towards Syria, noting that Doha has moved from supporting the Syrian revolution since 2011 to backing the political and economic recovery of the new Syrian state, following what it described as the "victory of the revolution" and the fall of the regime in December 2014.
This shift is a natural extension of Qatar's support for the aspirations of the Syrian people and has manifested in concrete steps on several levels:
1. Political and Diplomatic Support
- The Pivotal Visit: The visit of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Damascus on January 30th was a pivotal moment, as it was the first visit by an Arab and international leader after the "victory." It carried a clear message of support for this shift and placed it on the path of regional and international legitimacy.
- Resumption of Relations: Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus after a hiatus of nearly thirteen years, becoming the second country after Turkey to do so, thus reaffirming its support for the aspirations of the Syrian people.
- International Role: Qatar actively participated in international conferences (such as the Paris and Brussels Donors Conferences of 2025) and welcomed, before the Security Council, the steps taken by the new Syrian administration towards establishing the rule of law and institutions and promoting national reconciliation.
2. Economic and Relief Support
- Debt Settlement: Qatar, in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced the settlement of Syria's outstanding financial obligations to the World Bank Group, amounting to approximately $15 million, thus enabling the resumption of the Bank's programs aimed at rebuilding institutions.
- Energy and Infrastructure Support: Qatar pledged to supply Syria with approximately 2 million cubic meters of gas daily to operate the Deir Ali power plant, adding approximately 400 megawatts to the electricity grid. The Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also announced Doha's readiness to supply Syria with 200 megawatts of electricity and provide technical support for the restoration of infrastructure.
- Relief and Reconstruction: Qatar launched an air bridge and provided urgent aid, announcing a $50 million contribution at the Brussels 2025 Conference. This included funding extensive projects in housing, water, and solar energy, as well as contributing to the reopening of Damascus International Airport, with Qatar Airways being the first civilian airline to resume flights there.
- Education and Health: Extensive programs were implemented in cooperation with UNICEF through the Education Above All Foundation to provide education for hundreds of thousands of Syrian children, in addition to providing a medical package worth 45 million Qatari riyals.
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