Iraq to Invite Syria’s Transitional President Ahmed al-Shar’a to Arab League Summit

Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Shar’a. (North Press)
Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Shar’a. (North Press)

By Kardo Roj 

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Iraq has announced plans to extend an official invitation to Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Shar’a to attend the upcoming Arab League Summit, set to take place in Baghdad in April.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed the decision on Friday during his participation in the Paris Conference on Syria, emphasizing that Iraq welcomes Syria’s presence in regional affairs.

“Iraq, which is hosting the Arab League summit in April, will invite all Arab leaders, including Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar’a,” Hussein stated.

He further emphasized that Iraq has no reservations about engaging with Syria’s new leadership, signaling Baghdad’s support for Syria’s reintegration into the Arab diplomatic landscape.

Syria’s Return to the Arab League

The announcement marks a significant step in Syria’s diplomatic rehabilitation following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Under Assad, Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 due to its violent crackdown on protests.

However, since the formation of a transitional government, Arab states have increasingly moved toward normalizing relations with Damascus.

The Arab League has already confirmed Syria’s participation in the upcoming emergency summit in Egypt later this month and the regular annual summit in Baghdad this April.

Regional Support for Syria’s New Leadership

Iraq’s move aligns with the broader trend of Arab nations engaging with the new Syrian administration. In recent months, countries like Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have resumed diplomatic outreach to Syria’s transitional government, focusing on stabilization efforts and reconstruction initiatives.

As the first major Arab League summit since Syria’s leadership transition, the Baghdad gathering is expected to address key regional security and economic challenges, including the Syrian reconstruction process, counterterrorism cooperation, and energy partnerships.

Syria’s participation will mark a turning point in its reintegration into the Arab world, following more than a decade of diplomatic isolation.