Syria’s newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa is stepping up diplomatic efforts to rebuild his country’s foreign relations and economy by visiting key regional powers. The Syrian foreign ministry announced that Ahmed al-Sharaa will travel to the United Arab Emirates for the first time and is also scheduled to visit Turkey next week. These trips come as part of the new leadership’s strategy to engage with both Arab and Western countries following the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed office in January after Assad’s sudden fall in a December offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—a Sunni Islamist group he is affiliated with—has wasted little time making moves on the international stage. He previously visited Turkey and Saudi Arabia in February, marking his first official visits abroad. The diplomatic push underscores the new government’s intention to pivot from Syria’s past isolation and pursue renewed engagement with regional neighbors and the international community.
First foreign tour under new leadership
The upcoming UAE trip is seen as a significant moment, symbolizing Syria’s attempt to re-enter the Arab political fold. The visit is likely aimed at both political and economic cooperation, given the UAE’s increasing influence in the region and its interest in shaping post-conflict dynamics in Syria. Relations between Syria and the UAE had been strained for years due to the civil war, but recent shifts in Middle Eastern geopolitics have led to greater openness towards dialogue with Damascus.
Push for lifting sanctions and rebuilding economy
Parallel to these diplomatic efforts, the Syrian government is calling for the removal of international sanctions that were imposed during Assad’s regime. According to a statement from the foreign ministry, the sanctions have devastated the Syrian economy, which has already been ravaged by nearly 14 years of conflict. “Syria badly needs the sanctions to be lifted so we can begin to rebuild our economy,” the ministry stated, urging international cooperation for reconstruction efforts.
Western countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and members of the European Union had implemented sweeping sanctions on Syria targeting government officials, businesses, and entire sectors in an effort to isolate Assad’s administration. The new leadership appears keen on resetting these relationships and presenting itself as a legitimate partner for peace and development in the region.
