Former Assad-era spokesperson returns to Syrian Foreign Ministry

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced on the evening of June 21 the appointment of diplomat Jihad Makdissi, former official spokesperson during the era of ex-President Bashar al-Assad, as adviser for American affairs.

The move marks a notable return to diplomatic service more than 13 years after he left the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Al Arabiya.

The ministry published a new list of senior departmental and advisory appointments, which included Makdissi’s designation as “adviser for American affairs,” alongside other reshuffles affecting Arab and European portfolios.

Following the announcement, Makdissi wrote on platform X: “With great pride and deep gratitude, I am honored to return today to the ranks of Syria’s renewed diplomatic service. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Foreign Minister Mr. Asaad Al-Shaibani for the confidence he has placed in me by granting me the rank of Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic at the Ministry and appointing me as Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for American Affairs.”

He added that the appointment represents a “great responsibility,” pledging to devote all his effort and experience to the role in the interest of Syria and to strengthen its presence and role in international forums.

With great pride and deep gratitude, I am honored to return today to the ranks of Syria’s renewed diplomatic service.

I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Foreign Minister Mr. Asaad Al-Shaibani for the confidence he has placed in me by granting me the…

— Makdissi (@Makdissi) June 21, 2026

The appointment comes as Syria’s new authorities seek to rebuild foreign relations, particularly with the United States, after years of isolation and sanctions imposed during the Assad era.

Makdissi, a Christian diplomat from Damascus, was one of the most prominent figures in Syrian diplomacy in the early years of the conflict before leaving Damascus in December 2012. Months later, he broke his silence, saying he had left because there was no longer room in the country for “balance and moderation.”

The spokesperson previously said, “I left a battlefield, not a normal country, and I apologise to those who trusted my credibility and for leaving without prior notice,” adding that he departed as an “independent figure” and aimed to avoid becoming a dagger in anyone’s hands against Syria’s interests.

He has since returned to Syria following the fall of the Assad government.

By Jeyhun Aghazada