Canada rules out reopening Damascus embassy, deepens engagement
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Canada has no plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, despite renewed diplomatic engagement with Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Gregory Galligan, Canada’s ambassador to Lebanon said on Wednesday.
Testifying before a parliamentary committee, Galligan, who also covers Syria, said Ottawa suspended its Damascus mission in 2012 and sees no specific benchmarks for reopening it.
He added that the move would be more likely if Canadian tourists or businesses showed significant interest in the country.
Canada restored diplomatic ties with Syria in 2025 after a new transitional authority pledged an inclusive political transition.
Galligan indicated that Ottawa eased sanctions to allow grants for women’s groups and civil society actors promoting democratic governance—support that was previously restricted.
At the same time, Galligan described an intensifying diplomatic presence. He was among the first Western envoys to present credentials to Syria’s new foreign minister and now travels regularly from Beirut to Damascus to meet officials and activists.
Canada, which resettled more than 100,000 Syrian refugees during the war, is also witnessing limited returns. Galligan said his first meeting in Damascus was with young Syrian Canadians visiting to contribute to reconstruction.
He pointed out that discussions with authorities include potential trade and investment, citing Syria’s natural resources and industrial prospects, while stressing that engagement remains “cautious” amid fragile security conditions.