Syrian FM announces European tour to strengthen cooperation

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has announced plans to visit European countries.

This announcement highlights Syria's commitment to strengthening its global diplomatic ties, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"I will lead a high-level delegation on a tour of European nations aimed at strengthening cooperation," he stated during a press conference in Damascus with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.

This upcoming European engagement marks a strategic effort by Syria to enhance bilateral relations and restore its international position amidst continuing geopolitical difficulties. 

Earlier, al-Shaibani urged the US to lift the severe sanctions imposed on his country during his visit to Qatar, part of a regional tour aimed at garnering support after Bashar al-Assad's decline. After meeting with Qatar's prime minister, al-Shaibani told the press that US sanctions are hindering Syria’s swift recovery from the devastation of war.

“These sanctions constitute a barrier and an obstacle to the rapid recovery and development of the Syrian people who await services and partnerships from other countries,” he said.

“We reiterate our calls for the United States to lift these sanctions, which have now become against the Syrian people rather than what they previously were: imposed sanctions on the al-Assad regime.”

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country's prime minister also met with Syria’s Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, the new head of intelligence Anas Khattab, and al-Shaibani. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani “reiterated the State of Qatar’s position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty and independence,” the statement added.

By Naila Huseynova