Syria’s Transitional President Holds First Official Talks with Qatari Emir in Doha
By Kardo Roj
DOHA, Qatar (North Press) – In a significant diplomatic development, Syria’s transitional president Ahmad al-Shara held his first official meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday in Doha, marking a potential turning point in relations between the two countries.
The talks, held at the Amiri Diwan, were attended by senior Qatari officials, including Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Head of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa.
From the Syrian side, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani led the delegation alongside several members of the official entourage accompanying President al-Shara.
According to an official statement, both sides discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the political and diplomatic spheres. The Qatari Emir welcomed President al-Shara and expressed optimism that the visit would lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation.
The discussions also touched on key regional and international developments, with both leaders exchanging views on promoting security and stability across the Middle East. The statement noted the alignment of perspectives on the importance of dialogue and coordination in addressing shared challenges.
For President al-Shara, who assumed office as part of Syria’s transitional framework aimed at ushering in a new phase of governance and reconciliation, the meeting signals growing diplomatic recognition.
In his remarks, al-Shara thanked the Emir for the warm reception and generous hospitality, emphasizing Syria’s commitment to deepening relations with Qatar.
“We are keen on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing joint coordination in a way that serves the interests of our peoples,” he stated, reflecting a message of pragmatism and regional inclusivity.
Qatar, which had previously supported opposition movements in Syria, has gradually adjusted its tone in line with changing dynamics across the Arab world. In recent months, several Gulf states have re-engaged with Damascus through both official and backchannel communications.
This evolving posture coincides with regional efforts to address long-standing crises through diplomacy, particularly as international actors reassess their roles in the Syrian conflict.
The visit also comes amid heightened regional concerns over security developments in northeast Syria, including the future of international coalition forces and Turkey’s military posture. While not directly addressed in the statement, these topics are widely seen as influencing the strategic backdrop of such high-level talks.
As the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their efforts to stabilize liberated areas and participate in Syria’s broader transition, the role of regional actors such as Qatar could become increasingly important.
The visit underscores a growing regional consensus that dialogue and pragmatic cooperation—rather than prolonged isolation—are key to addressing Syria’s multifaceted crisis.