UPDATE - Qatari emir meets Syrian interim president, pledges continued support for Syrians

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS; REVISES BYLINE, DATELINE

By Laith Al-Jnaidi and Mohammad Sio

DOHA, Qatar/ ISTANBUL (AA) - Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday met with Syria’s interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus and reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of unity, justice, and freedom.

According to a statement from the Qatari Emiri Diwan, Sheikh Tamim congratulated Al-Sharaa on the Syrian revolution’s victory and his selection as president of the transitional administration.

He also underscored Qatar’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and independence, praising the new administration’s efforts to restore stability, safeguard national assets, and meet the people's essential needs.

He emphasized the necessity of forming “an inclusive government representing all Syrians to ensure stability and advance reconstruction and development efforts.”

“Qatar will continue standing with its Syrian brothers to help them achieve their aspirations for a nation built on unity, justice, and freedom, where its people can live with dignity,” Sheikh Tamim added.

The visit marks the first trip by a Qatari emir to Syria in over 14 years and the first visit by a head of state since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024.

Syrian opposition factions seized control of Damascus and other major cities in December, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule and 53 years of Assad family dominance, including Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year presidency.

Al-Sharaa welcomed Sheikh Tamim’s historic visit, describing it as a reflection of Qatar’s long-standing support for the Syrian people and its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

He said that the coming period will witness strategic cooperation between Syria and Qatar in multiple sectors, underscoring Damascus’ eagerness to benefit from Qatari expertise to achieve the desired national renaissance.

Sheikh Tamim’s visit came just hours after Al-Sharaa officially assumed Syria’s presidency in the transitional phase.

It also follows Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman’s visit to Damascus on Jan. 16, when he revealed that Al-Sharaa extended an invitation to the Qatari emir.

At the time, the Qatari foreign minister said that Sheikh Tamim’s visit would take place “in the near future.”