Ukrainian Delegation Makes Historic Visit to Damascus, Meets with Syria’s New Leader
In a significant diplomatic development, a high-level Ukrainian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Andrea Sibiga, has traveled to Damascus for a meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The first official confirmation of this visit came from the Saudi Arabian news outlet Al Arabia, which cited its own sources. Later, a Syrian television correspondent confirmed the encounter.
The Ukrainian delegation, comprising top ministers and a special presidential envoy, arrived in Damascus to engage in a pivotal meeting with al-Sharaa. Reuters has since published a photograph of the event.
First Statements from the Meetings
Following the meeting, both Ukrainian and Syrian officials issued statements outlining their discussions and intentions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrea Sibiga announced:
- A message of support from President Vladimir Zelensky was delivered to al-Sharaa.
- Ukraine aims to collaborate with the Syrian administration in various sectors.
- Additional food aid shipments are being sent to Syria, with over 500 tons of Ukrainian wheat arriving the next day under the "Grain from Ukraine" humanitarian program.
- Ukraine stands ready to support Syria’s food security and reconstruction efforts, contrasting sharply with Russia’s exporting of "bombs, death, and destruction."
- The restoration of diplomatic presence could boost trade, scientific, cultural, and educational exchanges.
- Ukraine is prepared to share its expertise in investigating and prosecuting war crimes, drawing parallels with its own experiences under Russian occupation.
- This visit signals Ukraine’s intention to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, potentially leading to joint ventures in industrial, agricultural, and technological sectors, as well as cooperation in cybersecurity and information protection.
- Ukraine wishes to see a significant increase in Syrian imports.
Syrian Foreign Minister Aasaad Hassan al-Shiani responded:
- A strategic partnership on political, economic, and social levels is planned between Syria and Ukraine.
A Brief History of Ukrainian-Syrian Relations
Diplomatic ties between Ukraine and Syria were established in 1992 but were severed in 2022 due to Syria’s recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. However, following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime and the emergence of new Syrian authorities, discussions about re-establishing diplomatic relations have resurfaced in Ukraine.
Recently, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy confirmed that contact has been made with the new Syrian authorities, expressing readiness to resume diplomatic ties if Syria revisits its decision to recognize the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
This visit marks an important step in the repairing of relations between Ukraine and Syria, with potential gains in trade, cooperation, and ghumanitarian assistance.
