Qatari diplomatic delegation visits Syria to finalize plans for embassy opening

By Iyad Nabolsi

ISTANBUL (AA) – A Qatari diplomatic delegation arrived in Syria on Sunday to complete procedures for reopening the Qatari Embassy in Damascus.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the delegation met with the "transitional government" in Syria and reiterated Qatar’s full commitment to supporting the Syrian people in achieving their aspirations for security, peace, development, and prosperity following the success of their revolution.

The delegation discussed with the Syrian side ways to enhance the flow of Qatari humanitarian aid and the needs of the Syrian people during this critical phase, he told the state news agency QNA.

Qatar closed its embassy in Damascus in 2011 after the Bashar al-Assad regime’s bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011.

Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8 after anti-regime groups seized control of Damascus. The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities across the country in a swift offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala