Putin and Qatari Emir Pledge Support for Syrian Sovereignty Amid Ongoing Challenges
By Kardo Roj
MOSCOW, Russia (North Press) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met on Thursday in Moscow to discuss a range of regional and international issues, with the Syrian conflict featuring prominently on the agenda. Both leaders underscored the need to support Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and post-conflict recovery.
“We discussed developments in Syria, a matter of great importance to us,” Putin said during a joint press briefing. “Russia remains committed to preserving Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”
The meeting, held at the Kremlin, follows recent diplomatic activity involving Syria’s transitional government, as regional actors signal cautious engagement with the evolving political landscape.
The Russian president further noted the ongoing challenges facing Syria and expressed readiness to cooperate with Qatar in providing humanitarian support.
“We are interested in exploring avenues for assisting the Syrian people,” he said. “Syria still faces many issues—political, security-related, and economic. We must work to alleviate these burdens.”
For its part, Qatar has gradually increased its diplomatic engagement with Syria, particularly after hosting Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar’a in Doha earlier this month. Emir Tamim referenced that visit, describing discussions with al-Shar’a as “constructive and aligned with shared regional interests.”
“The Syrian president emphasized the importance of historical ties with Russia,” the Qatari leader said. “He is committed to fostering respectful and mutual relations between our nations.”
The high-level meeting reflects a broader regional trend toward re-engagement with Syria, driven in part by geopolitical recalibrations following years of war and fragmentation. While Russia has long played a central military and political role in the Syrian conflict, Qatar’s diplomatic shift signals a possible convergence around political stabilization and reconstruction.
However, significant hurdles remain. The Syrian political transition continues to be shaped by internal divisions and competing foreign interests. Within this evolving context, the role of local governance bodies like the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) remains essential for maintaining relative stability and countering extremist threats, particularly in areas previously affected by Islamic State (ISIS) activity.
Though not explicitly referenced in the Moscow meeting, international stakeholders increasingly acknowledge the importance of supporting inclusive governance models and sustainable security frameworks—principles embodied in the AANES-led efforts in northeast Syria with support from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In the coming months, the potential for expanded humanitarian coordination and political dialogue could offer limited but meaningful progress. For governance entities such as AANES and their partners in the SDF, stability and recognition remain crucial pillars in the broader effort to rebuild Syria on inclusive and democratic foundations.