Syrian interim FM visits Qatar, UAE for diplomatic ties

DOHA/DAMASCUS — Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reaffirmed his country's commitment to fostering positive foreign relations across the region during talks in Doha on Sunday.

In a series of posts on X, Shaibani said Syria's new administration will adopt foreign policies that differ markedly from those implemented by the previous government.

The remarks followed discussions with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, as well as Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi. Shaibani described the talks as "thorough and extensive".

During the meeting, key strategic issues were discussed and a road map for rebuilding Syria and empowering citizens was presented, Shaibani said. "We seek to form a Syrian government representing all segments of society."

He praised Qatar's "prominent role" in supporting Syrians amid the recent unrest and in the current stage of Syria's reconstruction, describing Qatar as a "strategic partner".

Shaibani also highlighted Damascus' desire to "mend ties with the Arab and international community", setting aside what he called the "old regime's approach", and stressed that Syria aims for "peaceful and cooperative relations that foster principles of justice, freedom and equality" for every citizen.

The minister also urged the United States to lift sanctions on the Syrian people, which he said primarily slow the pace of building a "new Syria".

The US is set to announce an easing of restrictions on providing humanitarian aid and other basic services such as electricity to Syria while maintaining its strict sanctions regime, people briefed on the matter told Reuters.

On Monday, Shaibani landed in the United Arab Emirates, official news agency SANA reported.

"Shaibani, accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates," SANA said.

Shaibani also posted on X a picture of himself stepping off a plane, and said he looked forward "to building constructive bilateral relations".

Xinhua - Agencies