Official visit of the Emir of Qatar to Damascus: Strengthening diplomatic relations

Thursday 30 January 2025 - 11:06

On January 30, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, for an official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. His arrival at Damascus International Airport was warmly greeted by key Syrian officials, including Vice President Ahmad al-Shara, Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shibani, and Minister of Defense Marhaf Abu Qasara.

This visit follows a series of diplomatic engagements between Qatar and Syria. Earlier in January 2025, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met with Vice President al-Shara in Damascus, signaling an ongoing strengthening of ties. Additionally, Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus, raising its flag there after a closure in July 2011.

Qatar’s engagement with Syria has extended beyond diplomatic channels. In early January 2025, Doha hosted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. Qatar has also shown consistent support for the Syrian people, providing urgent humanitarian assistance to Damascus since the fall of the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad.

On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions gained control over Damascus, marking the end of 61 years of Ba'ath Party rule and 53 years of the Assad family’s dictatorship.