Foreign relations of Syria
{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Politics of Syria}}
Since the Syrian Republic gained independence from the French Mandate, Syria has seen tension with its neighbours, such as Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Ensuring national security, increasing influence among its Arab neighbours and securing the return of the Golan Heights, had been the primary goals of Ba'athist Syria's foreign policy. Syria is also a full member of the Arab League. Syria enjoyed an improvement in relations with several of the states in its region in the 21st century, prior to the Arab Spring and the Syrian civil war. Due to the Syrian civil war, Ba'athist Syrian government was partially isolated from the countries in the region and the wider international community until 2022.{{Cite web |last=Lister |first=Charles |date=2023-07-31 |title=Normalizing Assad Has Made Syria's Problems Even Worse |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/07/31/syria-assad-normalization-saudi-arabia-jordan-terrorism-islamic-state-captagon/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}} After the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, the new Syrian government actively engaged with the European Union and neighboring countries including Turkey and the Arab world for post-war reconstruction.{{cite web |title=The Gulf Shifts Policies in Response to the "New" Syria |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2025/01/the-gulf-shifts-policies-in-response-to-the-new-syria?lang=en¢er=europe |publisher=Carnegie Europe |access-date=31 January 2025}}
History
Under the Ba'athist regime, diplomatic relations were severed with several countries, including Turkey, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Mexico, Qatar, Georgia, and Ukraine.{{Cite news |title=Assad Takes a Page Out of Russia's Book in His War Against Rebels|work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2012-02-08/ty-article/assad-takes-a-page-out-of-russias-book-in-his-war-against-rebels/0000017f-dc03-d3a5-af7f-feaf182a0000 |access-date=26 February 2023}} In 2011 and 2012, Syria was suspended from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Union for the Mediterranean and the Arab League.{{Cite news |title=Arab League readmits Syria as relations with Assad normalise |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/arab-league-set-readmit-syria-relations-with-assad-normalise-2023-05-07/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215072210/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/arab-league-set-readmit-syria-relations-with-assad-normalise-2023-05-07/ |archive-date=15 December 2024 |access-date=2025-04-02 |work=Reuters |language=en-US |url-status=live }}
Ba'athist Syria had close ties with its traditional allies, Iran and Russia. Other countries that maintain good relations with the Assad regime include China, North Korea, Vietnam,{{cite web|url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/41316-al-moallem-receives-credentials-of-vietnam-s-non-resident-ambassador-to-syria|title=Al-Moallem Receives Credentials of Vietnam's Non-Resident Ambassador to Syria|work=Syria Times|date=22 April 2019|access-date=23 April 2019|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423154616/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/41316-al-moallem-receives-credentials-of-vietnam-s-non-resident-ambassador-to-syria}}{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=272366|title=Syria, Vietnam discuss cooperation, latest developments|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=19 May 2022|access-date=21 May 2022}} Fiji, Singapore, Sri Lanka,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=236599 |title=President al-Assad receives two cables of congratulation from Presidents of Armenia and Sri Lanka on winning presidential elections|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=11 June 2014|access-date=23 April 2019}} Laos,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=150532|title=Lao President receives credentials of Syria's non-resident ambassador|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=6 November 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}} Myanmar,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=2994 |title=President al-Assad receives congratulatory cables from leaders of Myanmar and Abkhazia|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=5 June 2021|access-date=7 May 2022}} Cambodia,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=156480 |title=King of Cambodia accepts credentials of Mustafa as non-resident Ambassador from Syria to his country|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=24 January 2019|access-date=23 April 2019}} Thailand,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=269893|title=President al-Assad receives congratulation cables on occasion of 76th anniversary of Independence Day|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |access-date=7 May 2022|date=20 April 2022}} Philippines,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=240618 |title=Philippines Embassy thanks Syria for its efforts that helped bring back 22 women of its nationals|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=5 July 2021|access-date=7 May 2022}} India,{{cite web|url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/9578-india-forming-international-will-to-combat-terrorism-imperative |title=India forming international will to combat terrorism imperative |work=Syria Times |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=9 February 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriaonline.sy/?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=7947|title=Syrian TV – India stresses need for international will against terrorism|access-date=21 February 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/world/21658-ahead-with-efforts-to-combat-terrorism-and-for-a-political-solution-to-crisis |title=Ahead with Efforts to Combat Terrorism and for a Political Solution to Crisis |work=Syria Times |date=12 January 2016 |access-date=12 January 2020}} Pakistan,{{cite web |url=http://www.syriaonline.sy/index.php?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=5662&g=1 |title=President al-Assad Sends Letter to President of Pakistan Delivered by Mikdad |publisher=Syrian TV |date=29 April 2013 |access-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327180259/http://www.syriaonline.sy/index.php?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=5662&g=1 |archive-date=27 March 2016}} Bangladesh,{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=251969|title=Mikdad receives credentials of Subhani as a non-resident Ambassador of Bangladesh|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=20 October 2021 |access-date=7 May 2022}} Malaysia,{{cite web |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=230108|title=Update-President al- Assad receives cables of congratulation from presidents of Federal Russia, Belarus, UAE, Iran, Abkhazia, Palestine and king of Malaysia on Evacuation day|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=18 April 2021 |access-date=7 May 2022}} Indonesia{{cite web |url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/31892-syria-indonesia-discuss-mechanisms-to-develop-parliamentary-relations |title=Syria, Indonesia discuss mechanisms to develop parliamentary relations |work=Syria Times |date=27 July 2017 |access-date=27 July 2017 |archive-date=18 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918034446/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/31892-syria-indonesia-discuss-mechanisms-to-develop-parliamentary-relations}} Brunei,{{cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=3097 |title=President al-Assad receives congratulation cable from Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on winning presidential elections|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=12 June 2014|access-date=9 October 2015}} Armenia,{{cite web|url=http://www.sana.sy/en/?p=37344 |title=Armenian President: Syria will defeat terrorism |agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=23 April 2015 |access-date=9 October 2015}} Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=177699|title=Syria, Kazakhstan discuss means to invigorate relations in different domains |agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=6 November 2019|access-date=7 May 2022}} Kyrgyzstan,{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=249270|title=Mikdad discusses with foreign ministers of Venezuela, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus relations and developments|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=24 September 2021|access-date=7 May 2022}} Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia,{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=147232 |title=Mongolian President pleased with Syria's success in clearing most of its territory from terrorism|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=18 September 2018|access-date=7 May 2022}} Tajikistan,{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=174870|title=Tajikistan to develop ties with Syria at various levels, Tajik envoy says |agency=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=4 October 2019|access-date=7 May 2022}} Greece, Cyprus, North Macedonia,{{cite web |title=Bilateral relations|url=http://www.mfa.gov.mk/default1.aspx?ItemID=310|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930040551/http://www.mfa.gov.mk/default1.aspx?ItemID=310|archive-date=30 September 2011|access-date=3 April 2021|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia}} Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary,{{cite web |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1553061 |title=Hungary to appoint Syria diplomat in thawing of ties |date=11 September 2019}} Serbia, Montenegro,{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.me/en/diplomatic-missions/diplomatic-missions-to-montenegro/syria |website=gov.me|access-date=10 May 2022|title=Syria* Diplomatic Missions to Montenegro and visa regimes for citizens of Montenegro}} Vatican City and Belarus.{{cite web|url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/35807-azzam-coveys-message-from-president-al-assad-to-his-belarusian-counterpart-on-bilateral-ties |title=Azzam Coveys Message from President Al-Assad to His Belarusian Counterpart on Bilateral Ties |work=Syria Times |date=5 April 2018 |access-date=7 April 2018}} Syria was a candidate state of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).{{Cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1816451|publisher=Arab News|title=Iran wants to join the Eurasian Economic Union – but will Russia allow it?|author=Nikola Miković|date=26 February 2022|access-date=5 May 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=41638|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=20 May 2015|access-date=5 May 2022|title=Standard economic model set to evaluate influence of joining the EEU on economic indicators}}
Syria maintains relations with autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan.{{cite news |title=Syrian minister to visit Kurdistan Region in bid to boost tourism ties |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/01082017 |access-date=14 August 2017|agency=Rudaw|date=1 August 2017}} Syria has not recognized Israel since the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Ba'athist Syria also didn’t have diplomatic relations with South Korea, but the Assad regime had diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia (two Russian-occupied territories in Georgia).{{cite web |url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/37419-syria-south-ossetia-sign-agreement-on-establishing-diplomatic-ties |title=Syria, South Ossetia Sign Agreement on Establishing Diplomatic Ties |work=Syria Times |date=22 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |archive-date=25 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725180744/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/37419-syria-south-ossetia-sign-agreement-on-establishing-diplomatic-ties}}
On 26 February 2023, Bashar al-Assad met with Iraqi, Jordanian, Palestinian, Libyan, Egyptian and Emirati lawmakers, as well as representatives from Oman and Lebanon after more than a decade of isolation in the region. Arab states contributed significantly to the relief effort after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake. A week before, Al-Assad travelled to Oman for his first foreign visit since the quake.{{Cite web |title=Syria's Assad meets senior Arab lawmakers in Damascus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/26/syrias-assad-meets-senior-arab-lawmakers-in-damascus |access-date=27 February 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera}} Syrian–Turkish normalization was also underway since 2022. On 7 May 2023, following these rapprochements, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League. While the earthquake facilitated these rapprochements, the main reasons for the readmission were the Syrian refugees in neighboring countries and the Captagon trafficking, two issues that needed Syrias involvement for being solved.
Since the fall of the Assad regime in 2024, it is unclear whether the new transitional government retained all of Ba'athist Syria's diplomatic relations. However, Turkey became the first country to re-establish diplomatic relations with post-Assad Syria, doing so on 14 December 2024.{{Cite news |date=13 December 2024 |title=Turkey appoints charge d'affaires at its embassy in Damascus |url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2024/12/turkey-appoints-charge-daffaires-at-its-embassy-in-damascus/ |access-date=24 December 2024}} In December 2024, Qatar also re-established diplomatic relations with Syria.{{Cite news |date=15 December 2024 |title=Qatar Announces Resumption of Embassy Operations in Syria from Tuesday |url=https://mofa.gov.qa/en/qatar/latest-articles/latest-news/details/2024/12/15/qatar-announces-resumption-of-embassy-operations-in-syria-from-tuesday |access-date=15 December 2024}}
In April 2025, Saudi Arabia increased its engagement with Syria by planning to pay off Syria's $15 million debt to the World Bank, potentially allowing Syria to receive grants for reconstruction efforts under its new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who seized power in December 2024. The international community is cautiously observing al-Sharaa's government, particularly regarding its commitment to protecting religious minorities, though this move by Saudi Arabia signals a new level of diplomatic and economic engagement with the Syrian government after years of strained relations. In addition, other Gulf Arab states have announced plans to support Syria as well.{{Cite web |last=commsmanager |date=2025-04-15 |title=Saudi Arabia Increases Engagement with Syria |url=https://www.persecution.org/2025/04/15/saudi-arabia-increases-engagement-with-syria/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=International Christian Concern |language=en-US}}
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Syria maintains diplomatic relations with:
Bilateral relations
=Africa=
=Americas=
Syria has diplomatic relations with most Central and South American countries such as Antigua and Barbuda,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=257623|title=ALBA countries reiterate their support to Syria|access-date=6 May 2022|date=14 December 2021|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Argentina,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=229420|title=President al-Assad accepts credentials of new Ambassadors of Mauritania, Argentina|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=15 April 2021|access-date=5 May 2022}} Bolivia,{{cite web |url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/41418-shaaban-discusses-syria-s-friendly-relations-with-bolivia-iran |title=Shaaban Discusses Syria's Friendly Relations with Bolivia, Iran |work=Syria Times |date=28 April 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428154558/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/41418-shaaban-discusses-syria-s-friendly-relations-with-bolivia-iran}} Brazil,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=263323|title=Syrian-Brazilian talks to boost economic, trade relations|access-date=6 May 2022|date=10 February 2022|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Chile,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=266271|title=On behalf of President al-Assad, Sabbagh congratulates Chile's President on his inauguration ceremony|access-date=6 May 2022|date=12 March 2022|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Cuba,{{cite web |url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/25731-anniversary-of-establishing-syrian-cuban-diplomatic-relations-celebrated |title=Anniversary of Establishing Syrian-Cuban Diplomatic Relations Celebrated |work=Syria Times |date=15 August 2016 |access-date=1 February 2017 |archive-date=3 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203005722/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/25731-anniversary-of-establishing-syrian-cuban-diplomatic-relations-celebrated}}{{cite web|url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/27895-presidential-affairs-minister-offers-condolences-to-cuban-president-over-passing-of-fidel-castro |title=Presidential Affairs Minister Offers Condolences to Cuban President over Passing of Fidel Castro |work=Syria Times |date=30 November 2016 |access-date=1 February 2017}} Ecuador,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=104157|title=Ecuador: US aggression on Syria clear violation of a UN member state's soverienghty|access-date=6 May 2022|date=12 April 2017|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} El Salvador,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=34304|title=Al-Lahham continues meetings with parliamentarians on sideline of IPU session|access-date=6 May 2022 |date=31 March 2015 |agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Grenada,{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X_Xo6vuYfzUC&q=syria+grenada+relations|title=Grenada papers|year=1984 }} Guatemala,{{cite web |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/secretary-general-appoints-edmond-mulet-guatemala-head-security-council |title=Secretary-General Appoints Edmond Mulet of Guatemala Head of Security Council Joint Investigative Mechanism on Chemical Weapon Use in Syria|date=27 April 2017 }} Guyana,{{cite web |url=http://sana.sy/eng/21/2014/06/21/551372.htm |script-title=ar:الوكالة العربية السورية للأنباء |agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140621123014/http://sana.sy/eng/21/2014/06/21/551372.htm|archive-date=21 June 2014 |title=S a N A }} Nicaragua,{{cite web |url=https://www.lavozdelsandinismo.com/nicaragua/2021-04-15/gobierno-de-nicaragua-felicita-a-la-republica-arabe-siria-en-75-aniversario-de-su-independencia/ |title=Gobierno de Nicaragua felicita a la República Árabe Siria en 75 Aniversario de su Independencia |work=La Voz del Sandinismo |date=15 April 2021 |access-date=23 April 2021 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423150938/https://www.lavozdelsandinismo.com/nicaragua/2021-04-15/gobierno-de-nicaragua-felicita-a-la-republica-arabe-siria-en-75-aniversario-de-su-independencia/}} Panama,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=191548 |title=Maritime authorities in Panama includes Syrian maritime certificates within the recognized lists|access-date=6 May 2022 |date=12 May 2022|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Paraguay,{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=262103|title=Syrian, Paraguayan talks to boost bilateral relations|access-date=6 May 2022|date=30 January 2022|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Peru,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=243699|title=Syria's ambassador in Caracas participates in the inauguration ceremony of the president-elect of Peru|access-date=6 May 2022|date=30 July 2021|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} Saint Lucia,{{cite web |url=https://caricom.org/st-lucia-politics-opposition-calls-on-st-lucia-government-to-state-position-on-syria/ |title=ST. LUCIA-POLITICS-Opposition calls on St. Lucia government to state position on Syria |work=CARICOM |date=4 September 2013 |accessdate=16 August 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320015421/https://caricom.org/st-lucia-politics-opposition-calls-on-st-lucia-government-to-state-position-on-syria/}} Suriname, Uruguay{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=159155|title=Mikdad affirms Syria's firm right to restore the occupied Golan|access-date=6 May 2022|date=20 February 2019|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} and Venezuela.{{cite web|url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/presidential-activities/28908-presidents-assad-and-maduro-phone-calls |title=Presidents Assad and Maduro Phone Call |work=Syria Times |date=30 January 2017 |access-date=1 February 2017}}
=Asia and Oceania=
Syria's relations with the Arab world were strained by its support for Iran during the Iran–Iraq War, which began in 1980. With the end of the war in August 1988, Syria began a slow process of reintegration with the other Arab states. In 1989, it joined with the rest of the Arab world in readmitting Egypt to the 19th Arab League Summit at Casablanca.
This decision, prompted in part by Syria's need for Arab League support of its own position in Lebanon, marked the end of the Syrian-led opposition to Egypt and the 1977–79 Sadat initiatives toward Israel, as well as the Camp David Accords. It coincided with the end of the 10-year Arab subsidy to Syria and other front-line Arab countries pledged at Baghdad in 1978. Syria re-established full diplomatic relations with Egypt in 1989. In the 1990–1991 Gulf War, Syria joined other Arab states in the US-led multinational coalition against Iraq. In 1998, Syria began a slow rapprochement with Iraq, driven primarily by economic needs. In this period, Syria continued to play an active pan-Arab role, which intensified as the Israel-Palestine peace process collapsed in September 2000 with the start of the second Palestinian uprising (Intifada) against Israel. Though it voted in favor of UNSCR 1441 in 2002, Syria was against coalition military action in Iraq in 2003. However, the Syrian government accepted UNSCR 1483 (after being absent for the actual vote), which lifted sanctions on Iraq and established a framework to assist the Iraqi people in determining their political future and rebuilding their economy.
After start of the war in 2011, much of the Middle East condemned Syria's handling of the civil uprising, with only a few countries in the Middle East supporting Syria, most notably Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.
=Europe=
{{Main|Syria–European Union relations}}
The Czech Republic and Austria were the only European Union countries which never closed its embasies in Damascus throughout the Syrian civil war.{{Cite web |last=LL |title=Österreich in Kontakt mit Syriens neuen Machthaber |url=https://www.heute.at/s/oesterreich-in-kontakt-mit-syriens-neuen-machthaber-120079956 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Heute.at |language=de}} Greece and Cyprus re-established diplomatic relations with Syria and opened their embassies in 2021, making them the first EU countries to do so.{{Cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/feature/it-time-europe-reopen-its-embassies-syria-187822|title = Is It Time for Europe to Reopen Its Embassies in Syria?|date = 20 June 2021}} Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania appointed a chargé d'affaires to their diplomatic missions in the country.{{cite web |url=https://www.eeas.europa.eu/syria/about-ambassador_en?s=209 |title=About The Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union to Syria |publisher=Europa (web portal) |date=29 July 2021 }} In July 2024, Italy decided to re-establish relations with Syria, appoint its special envoy and chargé d'affaires to the country and reopen its embassy in Damascus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240726-italy-appoints-envoy-to-syria-to-turn-spotlight-on-country-fm-says/#amp_tf=Z%C2%A0dom%C3%A9ny%20%251%24s&aoh=17220008479094&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.middleeastmonitor.com%2F20240726-italy-appoints-envoy-to-syria-to-turn-spotlight-on-country-fm-says%2F|title=Italy appoints Envoy to Syria to 'turn spotlight' on country, FM says|publisher=Middle East Monitor|access-date=27 July 2024|date=26 July 2024}} Following the fall of the Assad regime, Germany and France became the first European Union countries to visit Damascus.{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-french-foreign-ministers-meet-syrias-new-leaders/a-71207635 |title=German, French foreign ministers meet Syria's new leaders |publisher=DW |date=3 January 2024 }} On 16 January 2025, Spain reopened its Embassy in Damascus.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-16 |title=Spain raises flag at Damascus embassy after 12-year closure |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2586666/middle-east |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Arab News |language=en}} On 20 March 2025, Germany reopened its Embassy in Damascus.{{Cite web |last=nisreen |date=2025-03-20 |title=Germany reopens its embassy in Syria, 13 years after it was closed |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=350179 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Syrian Arab News Agency |language=en-US}}
Membership in international organizations
Syria is a member of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa,{{cite web|url=http://www.badea.org/|title=Introduction|website=Badea.org}} Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development,{{cite web | title=Member States | website=Welcome to Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development | url=http://www.arabfund.org/Default.aspx?pageId=129&mid=235 | access-date=11 June 2021 | archive-date=29 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129220419/https://www.arabfund.org/Default.aspx?pageId=129&mid=235 | url-status=dead }} Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization, Arab League, Arab Monetary Fund, Arab Parliament, Arab States Broadcasting Union, ALBA (observer), Asian–African Legal Consultative Organization, Asian Parliamentary Assembly,{{cite web |title=Member Parliaments |url=http://www.asianparliament.org/member-parliaments/ |website=asianparliament.org}} Association of Arab Universities, Bureau International des Expositions, Council of Arab Economic Unity, Customs Cooperation Council, Economic and Social Council, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, European Broadcasting Union (associate member),{{cite web|url=https://www.ebu.ch/about/members?type=associate|title=EBU – Members|date=28 February 2019|publisher=EBU.ch|access-date=7 July 2020}} FEAS, Food and Agriculture Organization, Group of 24, Group of 77, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, International Civil Aviation Organization,{{cite web|url=http://www.icao.int/MemberStates/Member%20States.English.pdf|title=Member States|publisher=ICAO|access-date=19 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612030351/http://www.icao.int/MemberStates/Member%20States.English.pdf|archive-date=12 June 2012|url-status=live}} International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions, International Chamber of Commerce, International Development Association,{{cite web | title = IDA Graduates | publisher = International Development Association | author = International Development Association | url = http://ida.worldbank.org/about/ida-graduates | access-date = 13 June 2019}} Islamic Development Bank (suspended 2012), International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Finance Corporation, International Labour Organization, International Monetary Fund, International Maritime Organization, Intelsat, Interpol,{{cite web |url=https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/Syria |title=Syria / Asia & South Pacific / Member countries / Internet / Home – INTERPOL |access-date=29 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155449/https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/Syria |archive-date=29 June 2018}} International Olympic Committee, International Organization for Standardization, IRENA (acceding), International Solar Alliance, International Telecommunication Union, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,{{cite web | title=OIC restores Syria's membership after more than decade of suspension | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2025-03-09 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250309-oic-restores-syrias-membership-after-more-than-decade-of-suspension/ | access-date=2025-03-16}} Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (joined 2013, suspended 2021),{{cite web | title=17 instances of chemical weapons used in Syria: Watchdog – United Nations News | publisher=Al Jazeera| date=4 June 2021 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/4/opcw-suspects-17-instances-of-chemical-weapons-use-in-syria | access-date=11 June 2021}} OTIF, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, UN, UN Commission on Human Rights, UN Conference on Trade and Development, UNESCO, UN Industrial Development Organization, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Union for the Mediterranean (suspended 2011), Universal Postal Union, World Bank, World Court, World Customs Organization, World Federation of Trade Unions,{{cite web | title=WFTU » Syria: The WFTU President is participating and addressed the 27th Congress of GFTU-Syria | publisher=WFTU | date=13 February 2020 | url=http://www.wftucentral.org/syria-the-wftu-president-addressed-the-27th-congress-gftu-syria/ | access-date=11 June 2021}} World Health Organization, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Meteorological Organization, World Tourism Organization and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Syria's two-year term as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council ended in December 2003.{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/countries-elected-members |title=Countries Elected Members |author= |date= 6 December 2021|publisher=United Nations Security Council |access-date=6 December 2021}} Syria was elected to the executive of the World Health Organization in 2021.{{cite news | title=Protesters slam choice of Syria for board of UN health body | website=The Independent | date=31 May 2021 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/protesters-slam-choice-of-syria-for-board-of-un-health-body-syria-world-health-organization-bashar-assad-idlib-un-watch-b1857120.html | access-date=11 June 2021}}{{cite web | last=Jaafari | first=Shirin | title=Syrians outraged by WHO board election: 'It's like appointing a mass murderer to be the police chief' | website=The World from PRX | date=4 June 2021 | url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2021-06-04/syrians-outraged-who-board-election-it-s-appointing-mass-murderer-be-police-chief | access-date=11 June 2021}}
=Arab League=
Syria was temporarily suspended from the Arab League since the beginning of the Syrian civil war.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/12/syria-suspended-arab-league|work=The Guardian|author1=David Batty| author2=Jack Shenker|title=Syria suspended from Arab League|date=12 November 2011}} Six of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf recognised the Syrian National Coalition as Syria's only legitimate representative on 12 November 2012, but Iraq, Algeria and Lebanon prevented the Arab League from following suit.{{cite web|agency=Reuters|title=New Syrian opposition chief seeks recognition, arms|website=Antigua Observer Newspaper|date=13 November 2012|url=https://antiguaobserver.com/new-syrian-opposition-chief-seeks-recognition-arms/|access-date=23 November 2018|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124005216/https://antiguaobserver.com/new-syrian-opposition-chief-seeks-recognition-arms/}} On 26 March 2013, at the Arab league summit in Doha, the League recognised the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, as the legitimate representatives of the Syrian people. The National Coalition was henceforth granted Damascus' seat at the summit.
This act of recognition was opposed by Algeria, Iraq and Lebanon.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130329144042/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-03/26/c_132263388.htm Arab League summit opens in Doha with focus on Syrian crisis] Xinhua News Agency. 23 March 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2014. On 9 March 2014, secretary general Nabil al-Arabi said that Syria's seat would remain vacant until the opposition completes the formation of its institutions.{{cite web |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-09/249749-syria-opposition-not-yet-ready-for-arab-league-seat.ashx|title=Syria opposition 'not yet ready for Arab League seat'|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310000406/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-09/249749-syria-opposition-not-yet-ready-for-arab-league-seat.ashx#axzz2uAA4pFGD}} In late 2018, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco began lobbying for Syria's return to the League.
In December 2018, after American president Donald Trump announced the partial withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, some countries initiated reopening of their diplomatic relations with Syria. Diplomatic relations have returned with Iraq, Saudi Arabia (in 2023), Egypt (after 3 July 2013), Tunisia, UAE (after 2018), Jordan (after 2021),{{Cite news|url=https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/jordan-makes-a-u-turn-to-reintegrate-syria-into-the-regional-fold-50469|date=5 May 2022|access-date=5 May 2022|publisher=TRT World|title=Jordan makes a U-turn to reintegrate Syria into the regional fold}} Lebanon (after 2021),{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=254782|title=Lebanon's relations with Syria outstanding, Hajj Hassan says|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=17 November 2021|access-date=5 May 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=253433|title=Syria, Lebanon discuss means to boost cooperation, integration|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=4 November 2021|access-date=5 May 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanese-spy-chief-says-he-will-visit-syria-over-missing-us-reporter-2022-06-03/|work=Reuters|title=Lebanese spy chief says he will visit Syria over missing U.S. reporter |access-date=7 June 2022|date=3 June 2022}} Algeria,{{cite web |url=http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/22999-syria-algeria-stress-unified-stance-on-need-to-combat-terrorism |title=Syria, Algeria Stress Unified Stance on Need to Combat Terrorism |work=Syria Times |date=29 March 2016 |access-date=29 March 2016 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930212754/http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/news/local/22999-syria-algeria-stress-unified-stance-on-need-to-combat-terrorism/}}{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=277296|date=6 July 2022|access-date=23 July 2022 |agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|title=Algerian President, Mikdad discuss means of strengthening bilateral relations, issues of common interest}} Mauritania (after 2018), Bahrain (after 2018), Kuwait (after 2018),{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-kuwait-idUSKCN1OU0VP|title=Kuwait expects more Arab countries to reopen embassies in Damascus: KUNA|work=Reuters|date=31 December 2018|access-date=5 May 2022}} Libya,{{Cite news |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=187227|title=Libyan Embassy in Damascus reopened|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=3 March 2020|access-date=5 May 2022}} Oman,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/07/world/middleeast/syrian-foreign-minister-visits-oman-the-regional-conciliator.html|title=Syrian Official's Visit to Oman May Signal a Diplomatic Opening |last1=Gladstone|first1=Rick|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 August 2015|access-date=28 February 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-oman/syrian-fm-in-rare-oman-visit-amid-heightened-diplomacy-idUSKCN0QB1J320150806|title=Syrian FM in rare Oman visit amid heightened diplomacy|work=Reuters|date=6 August 2015|access-date=28 February 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-oman/omani-foreign-minister-meets-syrias-assad-state-tv-idUSKCN0SK1HJ20151026|title=Omani foreign minister meets Syria's Assad: state TV|work=Reuters|date=26 October 2015|access-date=28 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2015/10/26/omans-foreign-minister-meets-syrias-bashar-al-assad-in-damascus|title=Oman's foreign minister meets Syria's Bashar al-Assad in Damascus|work=alaraby |publisher=Al-Araby|date=26 October 2015|access-date=28 February 2018}} Comoros, Sudan (after 2018),{{cite web|date=23 November 2017|title=Sudan's President Bashir asks Putin for 'protection' from 'aggressive' US|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20171123-sudan-president-bashir-asks-putin-protection-aggressive-us|access-date=4 November 2021|publisher=France 24}} Yemen,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423|title=Yemen crisis: Why is there a war?|date=21 March 2019|access-date=25 September 2019}} Somalia{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=251130|title=Mikdad holds intensive meetings with heads of delegations at NAM High-Level Meeting|date=12 October 2021|access-date=6 May 2022|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency}} and Palestine.{{Cite news|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=269893|title=President al-Assad receives congratulation cables on occasion of 76th anniversary of Independence Day|agency=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=20 April 2022|access-date=6 May 2022}}
Following the visit of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, the Arab League initiated the process of readmission of the Syrian Arab Republic to the organization,{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-arabs-idUSKCN1OQ1DB|title=Syria's return to Arab League requires Arab consensus: UAE minister|date=27 December 2018|work=Reuters|access-date=28 December 2018}} while the United Arab Emirates reopened their embassy in Syria on 27 December,{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/uae-reopens-syrian-embassy-amid-regional-influence-race-11592901|title=UAE reopens Syrian embassy amid regional influence race|publisher=Sky News|access-date=28 December 2018}} and Bahrain{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/bahrain-reopens-embassy-in-syria/1350510|title=Bahrain reopens embassy in Syria|website=aa.com.tr|access-date=28 December 2018}} announced its intentions to reopen their embassies.
After the devastating 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake, the Saudis, Emirati, Algerians, Iraqis and Jordanians contributed significantly to the relief effort. A week before, Al-Assad travelled to Oman for his first foreign visit since the quake.
On 26 February 2023, President Bashar al-Assad had met with Iraqi, Jordanian, Palestinian, Libyan, Egyptian and Emirati speakers of legislative bodies, as well as representatives from Oman and Lebanon on behalf of Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, to discuss further cooperation between the Arab states and Syria.{{Cite news|url=https://thearabweekly.com/arab-mps-headed-iraqs-halbousi-join-momentum-normalisation-damascus|title=Arab MPs, headed by Iraq's Halbousi, join momentum of normalisation with Damascus|work=The Arab Weekly|date=27 February 2023}}
In early April 2023, Saudi Arabia had invited Syria's Assad to the Arab League summit, ending regional isolation. On 13 April 2023, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Jeddah to meet Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.{{Cite news |date=12 April 2023 |title=Saudi Arabia, Syria welcome thaw in ties, agree to fight drug trafficking |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/isolated-syrias-fm-arrives-saudi-arabia-landmark-visit-2023-04-12/ |access-date=24 September 2024 |work=Reuters}} After frayed relations during the Syrian civil war, both nations now seek "a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the unity, security and stability of Syria," according to the Saudi foreign ministry.
On 15 April 2023, foreign ministers of GCC+3 format met in Jeddah and discussed the return of Syria to the regional organisation and so called Arab peace plan.{{cite news|title=Saudi Arabia and Syria discuss political solutions to latter's crises|work=Arab News|date=12 April 2023|access-date=13 April 2023
|url=https://arab.news/4fjbq}}
On 18 April 2023, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan travelled to Damascus, met with Syrian President Assad and discussed further steps. The summit is scheduled for 19 May 2023.{{Cite news |last1=Yaakoubi |first1=Aziz El |last2=Gebeily |first2=Maya |date=2 April 2023 |title=Saudi Arabia to invite Syria's Assad to Arab leaders summit, ending regional isolation|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-invite-syrias-assad-arab-leaders-summit-sources-say-2023-04-02/ |access-date=7 July 2023}}
On 7 May 2023, at the meeting of the Council of the Arab League in Cairo composed of foreign ministers, was agreed to reinstate Syria's membership in the Arab League.{{cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/05/07/Arab-foreign-ministers-to-discuss-Syria-s-return-to-Arab-League-Sudan-conflict|title=Arab foreign ministers agree to readmit Syria to the Arab League|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=7 May 2023}}
Earlier, Kuwait and Qatar had opposed al-Assad's presence at the Arab League summit. The regional normalisation effort had caught the U.S. and its European allies by surprise, as they were opposing an "Arab-led political path" in solving the crisis. According to the statement, al-Assad would be allowed to the meeting on 19 May 2023, if "he wishes to do so". The new political process in Syria was described as the "Jordanian Initiative".{{Cite web |date=7 May 2023 |title=Arab League re-admits Syria after 11-year absence |url=https://arab.news/bf2fy |access-date=7 July 2023 |website=Arab News}}
Nevertheless, Syria remains under international sanctions after millions of Syrians had been displaced or sought refuge in Arab and European countries during the war. The changes to the relations between Syria and other Arab States would allow many of them to return to their homeland, according to the announcements made earlier by Jordanian and Saudi officials.{{Cite news |last1=England |first1=Andrew |last2=Saleh |first2=Heba |date=7 May 2023 |title=Arab League to readmit Syria after decade-long hiatus |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5f2bdc35-f3b6-41d8-8ca2-de6f7f5aad53 |access-date=7 July 2023}}
International disputes
{{Update|section|date=April 2025}}
- Western Golan Heights with Israel;
- dispute with upstream riparian Turkey over Turkish water development plans for the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
- separation of the Hatay State and subsequent incorporation into the Turkish state
- dispute with Turkey concerning the Turkish occupation of North Syria
- dispute with the United States over the American-led intervention and occupation of Syrian territory
- illicit drugs: a transit point for opiates and hashish bound for regional and Western markets, as well as captagon{{cite web | last=Chulov | first=Martin | title='A dirty business': how one drug is turning Syria into a narco-state | website=The Guardian | date=7 May 2021 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/07/drug-captagon-turning-syria-into-narco-state | access-date=11 June 2021}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{in lang|en|ar}} [http://www.mofa.gov.sy Ministry of Foreign Affairs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016000230/http://www.mofa.gov.sy/ |date=16 October 2019 }}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070603050912/http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/71755089ce2e9102852570c70071ab27?OpenDocument UNRWA Commissioner-General Visits Syria]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131225043842/http://www.enpi-info.eu/countrymed.php?country=7 EU Neighbourhood Info Centre: Country profile of Syria]
Further reading
- {{cite web | title=Syria | website=U.S. Department of State | date=20 January 2009 | url=http://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3580.htm | ref={{sfnref | U.S. Department of State | 2009}} | access-date=11 June 2021}}
{{Foreign relations of Syria}}
{{Syria topics}}
{{Asia topic|Foreign relations of}}