Qatar's Emir breaks ground with first visit to Syria in years

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani made history on January 30 by becoming the first head of state to visit Damascus since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

This visit follows closely on the heels of significant political developments in Syria, including the recent appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as interim president, and comes just days after the appointment of Syria's transitional leadership, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Al Thani’s trip is particularly notable as it follows a visit earlier this month by Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and signals Qatar’s growing involvement in Syria’s post-Assad political restructuring.

Unlike many Arab nations, Qatar did not restore diplomatic relations with Syria during Assad's rule and was a staunch supporter of anti-regime forces during the early years of Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011. However, in a shift toward engagement, Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus shortly after Türkiye, and has taken steps to normalize ties with Syria under the transitional government.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on January 29, expressing support for the restructuring efforts in Syria, including the formation of a transitional legislature and the pursuit of civil peace, security, and stability. In particular, Qatar has advocated for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria, which have crippled the country’s economy since the onset of the civil war.

During a recent visit, Qatar’s Prime Minister announced a commitment to help rehabilitate Syria’s war-torn infrastructure, including a pledge to provide Syria with 200 megawatts of electricity and gradually increase energy production. Additionally, Qatar is reportedly exploring plans to assist Syria with public sector salaries, highlighting a shift in its diplomatic approach toward humanitarian and economic support.

Al Thani’s visit marks the highest-level Qatari engagement with Syria since the onset of the Syrian conflict, following diplomatic moves by other foreign officials. Russian delegations, alongside representatives from France, Germany, and Türkiye, have also visited Damascus in recent months, signaling a potential thaw in Syria’s international relations.

Syria’s Defence Ministry also reported that a high-level Turkish military delegation visited the country on January 30, further emphasizing the growing international dialogue surrounding Syria's future and the country’s efforts to rebuild after nearly 14 years of civil war.

By Vafa Guliyeva