Syrian interim president visits Qatar to strengthen ties
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Doha for his first official visit to Qatar as interim president, signaling deepening diplomatic ties between Syria’s new government and its key regional backer. Welcomed at Hamad International Airport by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, al-Sharaa then met with Syrian and Qatari officials at Qatar’s Amiri Diwan. Qatar, one of the strongest regional supporters of Syria’s post-Assad leadership, has stood with Syrians since the uprising in 2011 and opposed the Assad regime.
Al-Sharaa’s visit follows recent high-level trips to other Arab capitals, including a meeting in the United Arab Emirates where Syrian officials met with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE expressed commitment to Syria’s reconstruction efforts after nearly 14 years of conflict. During a January visit to Damascus, the Qatari emir stressed the importance of forming an inclusive Syrian government, rebuilding national institutions, and pursuing infrastructure projects to ensure long-term stability—a stance that al-Sharaa welcomed, calling for a strategic partnership between the two nations.
The visit, which comes amid a broader regional push for Syria’s reintegration, demonstrates Qatar’s role as a major diplomatic force for the new Syrian leadership, alongside Turkey. With ongoing plans, including a proposal to supply 200 megawatts of electricity to help rehabilitate Syrian infrastructure, Qatar is actively supporting Syria’s reconstruction and stabilization. The Syrian delegation also included Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, who highlighted Qatar’s constant support since the uprising.
The developments occur as Syria, under the leadership of al-Sharaa and backed by a coalition led by opposition forces such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seeks to rebuild and redefine its regional relations. Regional analysts note that Qatar has emerged as a crucial interlocutor for Syria, with its public backing enhancing its role in reconnecting Syria with neighboring Lebanon and other Arab states.
