Wed Jan 29 20:20:56 UTC 2025: ## Qatari Emir Makes Historic Visit to Damascus, First Arab Leader Since Assad’s Fall

**DAMASCUS, Syria –** In a significant move signaling a thawing of relations, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will become the first Arab leader to visit Damascus since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. The visit, scheduled for Thursday, was confirmed by the Syrian presidency, which announced a meeting between the Emir and Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa assumed the presidency following the December overthrow of Assad’s regime by opposition factions, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The visit comes amid strengthening ties between the two countries. Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus in December after a closure since July 2011, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani previously met with al-Sharaa in January. Furthermore, the new Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, recently visited Doha.

Qatar’s engagement with Syria has primarily focused on humanitarian aid, which has continued to flow to Damascus since the regime change. The Qatari government has welcomed the transitional steps taken by the new Syrian leadership, stating they are necessary to protect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The transitional government’s plan includes the dissolution of armed factions and their integration into state institutions, and the creation of a temporary legislative council until a new constitution is adopted.

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