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Foreign relations of Syria

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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template: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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

History

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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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2011 and 2012, Syria was suspended from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Union for the Mediterranean and the Arab League.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref>

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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Fiji, Singapore, Sri Lanka,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Laos,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Myanmar,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cambodia,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Thailand,<ref name="cg">Template:Cite news</ref> Philippines,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> India,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Pakistan,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bangladesh,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Indonesia<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Brunei,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Armenia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kyrgyzstan,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Uzbekistan,<ref name="cg" /> Turkmenistan,<ref name="cg" /> Mongolia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tajikistan,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Greece, Cyprus, North Macedonia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Serbia, Montenegro,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Vatican City and Belarus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Syria was a candidate state of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Syria maintains relations with autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="aljazeera.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Syrian–Turkish normalization was also underway since 2022. On 7 May 2023, following these rapprochements, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League.<ref name=":1" /> 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.<ref name=":1" />

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In December 2024, Qatar also re-established diplomatic relations with Syria.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Diplomatic relations

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List of countries which Syria maintains diplomatic relations with:

File:Diplomatic relations of Syria.svg
# Country Date
1 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto34">Template:Cite book</ref>
3 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
— Template:Flag (severed) Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
4 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto44">Template:Cite book</ref>
5 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
6 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto54">Template:Cite web</ref>
7 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto40">Template:Cite book</ref>
8 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto41">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="auto20">Template:Cite web</ref>
9 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto6">Template:Cite web</ref>
10 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto22">Template:Cite web</ref>
11 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto29">Template:Cite book</ref>
12 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto40" />
13 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto40" />
14 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto25">Template:Cite book</ref>
15 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
16 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="DFAGovPH-Syria">Template:Cite web</ref>
17 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
18 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto11">Template:Cite book</ref>
19 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto40" />
20 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto40" />
21 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto40" />
22 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto30">Template:Cite web</ref>
23 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto45">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="auto57">Template:Cite web</ref>
24 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
25 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
26 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto18">Template:Cite book</ref>
27 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
28 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
29 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="jordantimes">Template:Cite web</ref>
30 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto42">Template:Cite book</ref>
31 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref>
32 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto9">Template:Cite book</ref>
33 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto9"/>
34 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto31">Template:Cite web</ref>
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35 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto36">Template:Cite web</ref>
36 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
37 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":3">Template:Cite book</ref>
39 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto53">Template:Cite web</ref>
39 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":3" />
40 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
41 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
42 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto10">Template:Cite web</ref>
43 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Middle East Institute">Template:Cite book</ref>
44 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Middle East Institute" />
45 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto47">Template:Cite web</ref>
46 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto16">Template:Cite book</ref>
47 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
48 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
49 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto52">Template:Cite book</ref>
50 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto17">Template:Cite web</ref>
51 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="LY63">Template:Cite book</ref>
52 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="dailyreport">Template:Cite book</ref>
53 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="dailyreport" />
54 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="dailyreport" />
55 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="dailyreport" />
56 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="dailyreport" />
57 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto28">Template:Cite book</ref>
58 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto46">Template:Cite book</ref>
59 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto48">Template:Cite book</ref>
60 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
61 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto19">Template:Cite book</ref>
62 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto2">Template:Cite news</ref>
63 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto5">Template:Cite book</ref>
64 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto26">Template:Cite book</ref>
65 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
66 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
67 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="G.P. Maisonneuve">Template:Cite book</ref>
68 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="G.P. Maisonneuve" />
69 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
70 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
71 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto15">Template:Cite book</ref>
72 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto24">Template:Cite book</ref>
73 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
74 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto35">Template:Cite book</ref>
75 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
76 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
77 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto13">Template:Cite book</ref>
78 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Economic Features, Limited">Template:Cite book</ref>
79 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Economic Features, Limited" />
80 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto27">Template:Cite web</ref>
81 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
82 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto43">Template:Cite book</ref>
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84 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto39">Template:Cite book</ref>
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87 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto51">Template:Citation</ref>
88 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="ReferenceA">Template:Cite book</ref>
89 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="ReferenceA" />
90 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto49">Template:Cite book</ref>
91 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto50">Template:Cite book</ref>
92 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto23">Template:Cite book</ref>
93 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="SyrPan">Template:Cite web</ref>
94 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
95 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto8">Template:Cite book</ref>
96 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto33">Template:Cite web</ref>
97 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
98 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto4">Template:Cite book</ref>
99 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
100 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
101 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="OMN87">Template:Cite web</ref>
102 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto14">Template:Cite web</ref>
— Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
103 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
104 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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107 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto37">Template:Cite web</ref>
108 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
— Template:Flag (terminated) Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
109 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
— Template:Flag (terminated) Template:Dts<ref name="mfa_gov_ge">Template:Cite web</ref>
110 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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112 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
113 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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115 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
116 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto7">Template:Cite book</ref>
117 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
118 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
119 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
120 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
121 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL">Template:Cite web</ref>
122 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Nic99">Template:Cite web</ref>
123 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
124 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
125 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
126 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
127 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
128 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto55">Template:Cite web</ref>
129 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto21">Template:Cite web</ref>
130 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto38">Template:Cite web</ref>
131 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
132 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="auto32">Template:Cite web</ref>
133 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
134 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
135 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
136 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
— Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
— Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
— Template:Flag (suspended)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
137 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="bolivia">Template:Cite web</ref>
138 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="UNDL" />
139 Template:Flag Unknown
140 Template:Flag Unknown

Bilateral relations

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Africa

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Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Template:Flag 27 August 1962 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1962.<ref name="auto52"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Algiers.
  • Algeria has an embassy in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 10 February 1999
Template:Flag 29 November 1964
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 November 1964.<ref name="auto56">Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Syria has an honorary consulate in Cotonou.<ref name="SyriaAfr"/>
Template:Flag 29 November 1964
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 November 1964.<ref name="auto56"/>
  • In 2017, President Bashar al-Assad received on Thursday a cable of congratulation from President of Cameroon Paul Biya on occasion of Syria's Independence Day.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 1944 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1944 when Rafik Asha was accredited as Chargé d'Affaires of Syrian Legation (Embassy) in Cairo.<ref name="auto44"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Cairo.
  • Egypt has an embassy in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In June 2013 Egypt's president Mohammed Morsi announced he would cut all relations with the Syrian government.<ref name="BBC News 2013 Egypt to cut">Template:Cite web</ref> Under Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, however, Egypt has taken a more supportive stance towards Syria's government. In 2017, for example, Egypt called for Syria's re-admittance to the Arab League.<ref name="MEMRI 2017">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 1963 Template:Small
Template:Flag 11 June 1966
Template:Flag 2 June 1956 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 June 1956.<ref name="Middle East Institute"/>
  • Syria is accredited to Morocco from its embassy in Algiers.<ref name="mofaex.gov.sy"/>
  • Morocco has an embassy in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 5 August 1975
Template:Flag 30 September 1965
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 September 1965.<ref name="auto5"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Abuja and honorary consulates in Lagos and Kano.<ref name="SyriaAfr">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Nigeria has an embassy in Damascus.<ref name="sana.sy">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In 2022, Nigeria called for lifting all sanctions imposed on Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 15 April 1980 (recognition) See Template:Small
  • Syria officially recognized SADR on 15 April 1980, but does not maintain diplomatic relations with it.<ref name="SADR official web">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • SADR has General Delegation in Damascus.
Template:Flag 21 January 1965
Template:Flag 13 December 1964

Template:Small

  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 December 1964.<ref name="auto28"/>
  • President Hafez al-Assad and President Siad Barre had a positive relationship despite Somalia's very strong economic and military ties to Syria's then-geopolitical rival, Iraq. Syria also provided limited intelligence and logistics support to Somalia during the Ogaden War despite the Soviet-Syrian special relationship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has a non-resident embassy in Sanaa.<ref name="mofaex.gov.sy"/>
  • Syria formerly had an embassy in Mogadishu but vacated it in 1991 due to the outbreak of the Somali Civil War.
  • Somalia has an embassy in Damascus.<ref name=":0" />
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 1 June 1994
Template:Flag 28 January 1957 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1957, when Ambassador of Syria to Sudan (resident in Cairo) Mr. Abdel Rahman El Azm was accredited.<ref name="auto16"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Khartoum.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Sudan has an embassy in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • On 16 December 2018, Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir, became the first Arab League member to visit Syria since the eruption of Syrian civil war in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 13 September 1966
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 September 1966.<ref name="G.P. Maisonneuve"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Dar-es-Salaam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Tanzania is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Cairo.
  • In 2013, Tanzania supported Syrian government in the civil war.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 2 June 1956 Template:Small
Template:Flag 28 June 1972
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 1972.<ref name="auto43"/>
  • Syria has an honorary consulate in Kampala.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag
  • Syria is accredited to Zimbabwe from its embassy in Pretoria.
  • On 1 June 2014, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs Cde Enock Porusingazi said that Zimbabwe stood in solidarity with Syria and its people, supporting their government.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Americas

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Syria has diplomatic relations with most Central and South American countries such as Antigua and Barbuda,<ref name="sana_257623">Template:Cite news</ref> Argentina,<ref name="arg">Template:Cite news</ref> Bolivia,<ref name="Bol19">Template:Cite web</ref> Brazil,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Chile,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cuba,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ecuador,<ref name="Ecu17">Template:Cite news</ref> El Salvador,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Grenada,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Guatemala,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Guyana,<ref name="Guy14">Template:Cite web</ref> Nicaragua,<ref name="Nic21">Template:Cite web</ref> Panama,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Paraguay,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Peru,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname,<ref name="sana_257623"/> Uruguay<ref name="Urg19">Template:Cite news</ref> and Venezuela.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Template:Flag 18 April 1983
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 April 1983.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has an honorary consulate in St. John's.<ref name="SyrPre"/>
  • In 2021, Antigua along with other ALBA members, expressed support for Syria in the war.<ref name="sana_257623"/>
Template:Flag 23 November 1945 Template:Small
Template:Flag 28 August 2001
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Havana.
Template:Flag 4 September 2023
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 September 2023.<ref name="bolivia" />
  • Syria is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Santiago.
  • In 2019, Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, the presidential advisor, held a meeting with Bolivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Diego Pary Rodríguez. The two sides stressed the importance of friendly relations between Syria and Bolivia and mutual cooperation.<ref name="Bol19"/>
Template:Flag 13 November 1945 Template:Small
Template:Flag 20 May 1965 Template:Small
Template:Flag 22 October 1945 Template:Small
Template:Flag 24 May 1988
Template:Flag 11 August 1965<ref name="auto2"/> Template:Small
Template:Flag 2 October 2007
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 October 2007.<ref name="auto38"/>
  • Syria is accredited to Dominican Republic from its embassy in Caracas.
Template:Flag 23 January 1980
Template:Flag 19 June 1973
Template:Flag 20 August 1950 Template:Small
  • Mexico and Syria established diplomatic relations on 21 August 1950.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria does not have an embassy accredited to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Cairo.<ref name="sre">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In 2014, Mexico closed its honorary consulate in Damascus.<ref name=Relations>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 14 February 1999 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 February 1999.<ref name="Nic99"/>
  • Syria is accredited to Nicaragua from its embassy in Havana.
  • Nicaragua is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Tehran.
  • Both nations share close political relations.<ref name="Nic21"/>
Template:Flag 17 February 1976
Template:Flag 13 December 2004
Template:Flag 16 August 1975
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 August 1975.<ref name="auto50"/>
  • Syria is accredited to Peru from its embassy in Santiago.
  • In 2023, the Syrian Foreign Ministry has expressed solidarity and condolences to the relatives of the victims of an Guayas earthquake that shook a coastal region of northern Peru.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag 18 October 1976
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 October 1976.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In 2021, Suriname along with other ALBA members, expressed support for Syria in the civil war.<ref name="sana_257623"/>
Template:Flag 11 January 1972
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 January 1972 when was accredited first Ambassador of Syrian Arab Republic (resident in Caracas) Mr. Bachir El Kotb.<ref name="auto13"/>
  • Syria has an honorary consulate in Arima.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 17 November 1944
(relations suspended 2012)		 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 November 1944.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • While relations between the two states have long since been tense, the two have maintained diplomatic exchanges. However, relations took an ominous turn in October 2008 with a cross-border raid during the Iraq War to ostensibly fend off the rise of allegedly foreign militants into the Iraq fighting for the Iraqi resistance.
  • In December 2012, US president Barack Obama announced the US would formally recognise the Syrian Opposition Coalition, rather than the Damascus government, as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Template:As of, the embassy of the United States is suspended due to the Syrian civil war.<ref name="Dwyer Hughes 2012">Template:Cite web</ref> In May 2014, the US announced it recognised the opposition Syrian National Coalition's US offices as an official "foreign mission".<ref name="Editorial 2014">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • On 21 August 2013, the United States has threatened to strike key Syrian chemical and biological weapons installations in response to a chemical attack that was allegedly carried out by forces loyal to Assad on the rebel stronghold of Ghouta within the capital Damascus. Assad had denied any involvement, however President Obama claims to have intelligence proving otherwise. No proof has been given to the public other than reports from key United States senators and representatives. As of 4 September 2013, the Committee on Foreign Relations approved an attack with a 10–7 vote.
  • President Trump on 6 April 2017, ordered the first U.S. airstrike on the Syrian air force since the country's civil war began in 2011. US Navy warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea launched dozens of Tomahawk missiles at Syria's Shayrat air base. The strikes were in reaction to what Washington says was a sarin poison gas attack by the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that killed at least 70 people in the Idlib region of Syria. U.S. officials informed Russian forces ahead of the missile strikes, which Russian military were in Syria actively supporting and assisting al-Assad during Syria's civil war, and US air strikes avoided hitting Russian personnel. Trump, who authorized the launch of 59 Tomahawk missiles from Navy warships in the Mediterranean Sea on an air base near Homs were in direct response to Bashar al-Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons in the town of Khan Shaykhun on 4 April 2017. Following airstrikes were conducted on 8 April 2017, on the Syrian city that was the site of chemical weapons attack earlier.
  • On 7 October 2019, the President of the United States ordered the withdrawal of US military troops stationed on the Syrian-Turkey border. This withdrawal of military support was ordered by the President with disapproval of the Pentagon and the US Intelligence community. The US president ordered the withdrawal of military troops under the premise that Turkey would not invade the region being held by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF); however Turkey attacked the SDF within 24 hours of US military withdrawal from the region.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 11 October 1946
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 October 1946.<ref name="auto11"/>
  • Syria is accredited to Uruguay from its embassy in Buenos Aires.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • In 2019, Dr. Faisal Mekdad received a senior military delegation headed by Armed Forces of Uruguay Army Chief of Staff, Major General Marcelo Montaner. Both talked about preparations held by Uruguay to dispatch a military unit within the frame of the UNDOF in Golan.<ref name="Urg19"/>
Template:Flag 14 June 1946 Template:Small

Asia and Oceania

[edit]

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.

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Template:Flag 4 September 2018 Template:Small
  • Syria has an embassy in Sukhumi.
  • Abkhazia had an embassy in Damascus. Personnel were withdrawn on 15 December 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The status of Syria's relationship with Abkhazia is presently unknown following the fall of the al-Assad regime on 8 December 2024.
Template:Flag 18 November 1951
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 November 1951 when has been accredited Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of Afghanistan to Syria (Resident in Bagdad) Mr. Mir Amanullah Rahimi.<ref name="auto3">Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Afghan Taliban officials and Syrian minister met for the first time to discuss cooperation in 2023,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> but the Assad regime and the Taliban have no diplomatic relations. After the fall of the Assad regime, Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi congratulated the Syrian transitional government on its victory and expressed hope during a conversation with Asaad al-Shaibani that the two countries could establish regular diplomatic relations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 6 March 1992 Template:Small
Template:Flag 12 May 1975
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 May 1975 when first Australian ambassador to Syria Mr. P. N. Hutton presented credentials to President Hafez al-Assad.<ref name="auto51"/>
  • Syria has an honorary consulates in Sydney<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Melbourne.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Australia is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Beirut.
  • An Australian embassy was opened in Damascus in 1977. Syria opened an embassy in Canberra in the early 2000s.
  • Until the start of the current Syrian civil war in 2011, the two countries enjoyed good relations.
  • Since 2011, Australia has imposed autonomous sanctions on Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syrian embassy in Canberra was closed in 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag 23 January 1975 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 1975.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Manama.
  • Bahrain reopened its embassy in Damascus in December 2018.<ref name=bhrel>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • On 19 June 2022, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received the credentials of Ambassador Waheed Mubarak Sayyar in an official ceremony attended by Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • In 2024, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad met with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was the first visit by a Bahraini foreign minister to Syria in 13 years.
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 14 September 1973 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1973.<ref name="auto39"/>
  • Syria is accredited to Bangladesh from its embassy in New Delhi.
  • Bangladesh is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Cairo and is represented through an honorary consulate in Damascus.
Template:Flag 1 August 1956 Template:Small
  • China recognized Syria's independence in 1946.
  • Diplomatic relations between both countries were established on 1 August 1956.<ref name="auto47"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Beijing.
  • China has an embassy in Damascus
  • Both countries are close allies and strategic partners.

See Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the relations with Syria

Template:Flag Template:Dts
Relations severed on 6 May 2018<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 1993.<ref name="mfa_gov_ge" />
  • Georgia terminated diplomatic relations with Syria due to the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Damascus.<ref name="RFE/RL 2018">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag May 1950 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in May 1950.<ref name="auto42"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Delhi.
  • India has an embassy in Damascus.
  • India and Syria have historical and cultural links dating back to silk route trade. The countries maintained relatively cordial relations during the Syrian Civil War.<ref name="Middle East Institute 2017">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 27 February 1950 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 February 1950.<ref name="jordantimes" />
  • Syria has an embassy in Jakarta.
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Both nations are the member of Non-Aligned Movement.
Template:Flag 12 November 1946 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 November 1946 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Syria with residence in Beirut Mr. Zein-el-Abdine Rahnema.<ref name="auto40"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Tehran.
  • Iran has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Syria and Iran are strategic allies. Syria is often called Iran's "closest ally",<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the Arab nationalism ideology of Syria's ruling Baath party notwithstanding.
  • During the Iran–Iraq War, Syria sided with non-Arab Iran against its enemy Iraq and was isolated by Saudi Arabia and some of the Arab countries, with the exceptions of Libya, Lebanon, Algeria, Sudan and Oman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Iran and Syria have had a strategic alliance ever since, partially due to their common animosity towards Saddam Hussein and coordination against the United States and Israel.
  • Syria and Iran cooperate on arms smuggling from Iran to the Hezbollah in Lebanon, which borders Israel.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • In addition to receiving military hardware, Iran has consistently invested billions of dollars into the Syrian economy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
  • Currently, Iran is involved in implementing several industrial projects in Syria, including cement factories, car assembly lines, power plants, and silo construction. Iran also plans to set up a joint Iranian–Syrian bank in the future.
Template:Flag 8 November 1945 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 November 1945 when has been accredited Chargé d'Affaires of Iraq to Syria Mr. Ibrahim Fadli.<ref name="auto40"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Baghdad and Consulate-General in Mosul.
  • Iraq has an embassy in Damascus.
  • The political states of Iraq and Syria were formed by the United Kingdom and France following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I.
  • Iraq and Syria are united by historical, social, political, cultural and economic relations, but share a long foreign drawn border. The land known as Mesopotamia is Iraq and eastern Syria and is called such by its inhabitants.
  • Political relations between Iraq and Syria have in the past seen difficulties, however, new diplomatic relations described by both sides as "Historic" were established in November 2006, beginning an era of close cooperation and political friendship between Iraq and Syria.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • During the early phase of the Syrian civil war, Iraq was also one of the few remaining Arab countries which support the Syrian government, and has abstained from voting to expel Syria from the Arab league.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Both countries have closely cooperated with each other against ISIS, with Iraq and Ba'athist Syria being a part of the Russia–Syria–Iran–Iraq coalition.<ref name=CNN>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name= AlJazeera>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Times>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag No formal diplomatic relations Template:Small
  • Syria has been an active belligerent, with periodic ceasefires and use of proxies, against Israel ever since May 1948, when the Syrian army captured territory from the newly established State of Israel north and south of the Sea of Galilee.
  • Syria was an active belligerent in the 1967 Arab–Israeli War, which resulted in Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights and the city of Quneitra. On 19 June, a week after the war ended, Israel offered to return the Golan if Syrian would agree to a full Peace Treaty. However, Syria refused. From 1967 to 1973 there were sporadic bouts of fighting along the new border.
  • Following the October 1973 Arab–Israeli War, which left Israel in occupation of additional Syrian territory, Syria accepted UN Security Council Resolution 338, which signaled an implicit acceptance of Resolution 242.
  • Syria participated in the Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid in October 1991.
  • In 2004 and 2005 Israel and Syria engaged in private talks discussing an outline peace accord. These were successful at a technical level, but failed to gain adequate political support.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Hostility between Syria and Israel further increased following Israel's execution of Operation Orchard on 6 September 2007. Israel bombed a northern Syrian complex near Dayr az-Zawr which was suspected of holding nuclear materials from North Korea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • In 2008 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad confirmed that talks with Israel have resumed through a third party.<ref name="aljazeera1">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Buthaina Shaaban has also confirmed that Israel is ready to give up the Golan Heights.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • In October 2019, Israel was one of the countries that condemned the Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria, but also because of deterioration of Israel–Turkey relations.
Template:Flag December 1953 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in December 1953.<ref name="auto53"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Tokyo.
  • Japan has an embassy in Damascus.<ref name="Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 2012 temporary">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Japan introduced sanctions against Syria in September 2011.<ref name="Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 2011">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 1948 Template:Small
Template:Flag 27 March 1992
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 March 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Kazakhstan has an consulate-general in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Kazakhstan donated funds to help Syrian refugees fleeing the country. In 2012, about $400,000 were allocated by the country through the OIC.
  • Kazakhstan sent its next humanitarian aid to Syria in January 2017. The 500 tonnes of supply of food and medications were delivered to Tartus Port on the Mediterranean coast of Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 24 October 1963 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1963<ref name="auto17"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Kuwait City.
  • Kuwait has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Kuwait–Syria relations became somewhat strained due to the Syrian civil war after Kuwait closed its embassies along with the rest of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf.
  • Bilaterial relations have since come to focus on humanitarian efforts for Syria instead. For example, Kuwait has hosted three international pledging conferences in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 raising 1.5bn,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 2.4bn,<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> 3.8bn,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and 10bn<ref name="UN News Centre">Template:Cite web</ref> respectively.
  • Relations between the two countries have since 2019 normalized.
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 15 October 2008<ref name="auto32"/> Template:Small

Syria plays an important role in Lebanon by virtue of its history, size, power, and economy. Lebanon was part of Ottoman Syria until 1926. The presence of Syrian troops in Lebanon dates to 1976, when President Hafez al-Assad intervened in the Lebanese civil war on behalf of Maronite Christians. Following the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Syrian and Israeli forces clashed in eastern Lebanon. The late U.S. Ambassador Philip Habib negotiated a cease-fire in Lebanon and the subsequent evacuation of PLO fighters from West Beirut. However, Syrian opposition blocked implementation of the 17 May 1983 Lebanese-Israeli accord on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Following the February 1984 withdrawal of the UN Multinational Force from Beirut and the departure of most of Israel's forces from southern Lebanon a year later, Syria launched an unsuccessful initiative to reconcile warring Lebanese factions and establish a permanent cease-fire. Syria actively participated in the March–September 1989 fighting between the Christian Lebanese Forces and Muslim forces allied with Syria. In 1989, Syria endorsed the Charter of National Reconciliation, or "Taif Accord", a comprehensive plan for ending the Lebanese conflict negotiated under the auspices of Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Morocco.

At the request of Lebanese President Hrawi, the Syrian military took joint action with the Lebanese Armed Forces on 13 October 1990, to oust rebel Gen. Michel Aoun who had defied efforts at reconciliation with the legitimate Government of Lebanon. The process of disarming and disbanding the many Lebanese militias began in earnest in early 1991. In May 1991, Lebanon and Syria signed the treaty of brotherhood, cooperation, and coordination called for in the Taif Accord, which is intended to provide the basis for many aspects of Syrian-Lebanese relations. The treaty provides the most explicit recognition to date by the Syrian Government of Lebanon's independence and sovereignty.

According to the U.S. interpretation of the Taif Accord, Syria and Lebanon were to have decided on the redeployment of Syrian forces from Beirut and other coastal areas of Lebanon by September 1992. Israeli occupation of Lebanon until May 2000, the breakdown of peace negotiations between Syria and Israel that same year, and intensifying Arab/Israeli tensions since the start of the second Palestinian uprising in September 2000 have helped delay full implementation of the Taif Accords. The UN declared that Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon fulfilled the requirements of UN Security Council Resolution 425. However, Syria and Lebanon claimed that UNSCR 425 had not been fully implemented because Israel did not withdraw from an area of the Golan Heights called Shebaa Farms, which had been occupied by Israel in 1967, and which Syria now claimed was part of Lebanon. The United Nations does not recognize this claim. However, Lebanese resistance groups such as Hezbollah use it to justify attacks against Israeli forces in that region, creating a potentially dangerous flashpoint along the Lebanon-Israeli border.

In 2005, Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon after the assassination of Lebanese Sunni Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on 14 February 2005. In December 2008, The Syrian Embassy was opened in Beirut for the first time in history since both countries gained their Independence during the 1940s. In March 2009, Lebanon followed and opened its embassy in Damascus. On 19 December 2009, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri visited Syria, and stayed in Damascus for three days meeting with President Bashar Al-Assad & breaking the ice between the two sides.<ref>New Lebanese Prime Minister visits Syria Template:Webarchive, 2005</ref>

Template:Flag 1958 Template:Small
Template:Flag 31 July 1967

See Bilateral relations between Mongolia and Syria Template:In lang

Template:Flag 25 July 1966 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 July 1966.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Pyongyang.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • North Korea has an embassy in Damascus.<ref name="Ramani Diplomat 2018" />
  • North Korea is one of Syria's closest allies.<ref name="Ramani Diplomat 2018">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In September 2015, the Syrian government paid tribute to Kim Il Sung in a ceremony for a new park in Damascus named in his honor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 19 December 1987 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 December 1987.<ref name="OMN87"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Muscat.
  • Oman has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Since the start of the war, Syria and Oman have been strategic allies.<ref name="albawaba">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Both countries are members of Arab League.
Template:Flag 1948 Template:Small
  • Syria has an embassy in Islamabad.
  • Pakistan has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Both countries were on the silk route through which civilizational exchanges took place for centuries, Islamic missionaries that introduced Islam after 711 AD were from Syria. During the Yom Kippur War of 1973 (usually referred to as the Ramadan war in Pakistan) several Pakistani pilots assisted the Syrian air force.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2005 Syria and Pakistan agreed on mutual cooperation in the fields of science and technology. Pakistan also supports the Syrian Government since the beginning of Syrian civil war.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 22 January 1992 Template:Small
  • Syria officially recognized Palestinian statehood on 18 July 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Palestine from its embassy in Amman.
  • Palestine has an embassy in Damascus.
Template:Flag 4 September 1946
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1946.<ref name="DFAGovPH-Syria" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has an consulate in Manila.
  • Syria is accredited to Philippines from its embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
  • The Philippines has an embassy in Damascus.
Template:Flag 19 January 1972 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 January 1972.<ref name="Economic Features, Limited"/>
  • Syrian President Hafez al-Assad sided with Saudi Arabia against Qatari Emir Hamad bin Khalifa when he deposed his father. Later on, Bashar al-Assad visited Doha in 2003, which initiated a new chapter of economic, trading and investment relations.
  • In 2007–8, several Qatari-funded banks were established in Syria.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • During the conflict in Syria, Qatar vocally and materially supported different rebels with arms and funds against the government. Qatar has been the biggest sponsor of Syrian opposition forces during the civil war.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • In January 2019, Qatar said it would not normalise relations with Syria, which it wanted to remain excluded from the Arab League.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2019 Qatar">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In April 2019, Qatar Airways was granted a license to fly over Syrian airspace and a Syrian ban on Qatar's Al-Jazeera station was lifted.<ref name="Moubayed 2019">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In 2021, Qatar worked with Russia and Turkey to create a political solution to the conflict.<ref name="Chmaytelli Gumrukcu Balmforth 2021">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 26 June 1944 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1944 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Saudi Arabia to Syria Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Zeid.<ref name="auto34"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Riyadh.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Following the Syrian civil war, the relations between the two countries have greatly deteriorated (until 2018).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Between 2018 and 2023, both countries made a gradual reaprochement.<ref name=syrf23>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Both countries are members of the Arab League.
Template:Flag 10 April 2025
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 April 2025.<ref name="mofa.gov.kr">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • On February 8, 2025, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Kim Eun-jeong, Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs in Damascus. During the meeting, both parties conveyed their willingness to renew cooperation, which had been suspended since 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three days later, the South Korean Foreign Ministry announced that the country would establish diplomatic relations with Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • On 11 March 2025, a tentative deal was struck for both nations to establish diplomatic relations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 22 July 2018
  • Syria had recognized South Ossetia and maintaied diplomatic relations with Tskhinvali.<ref name="RFE/RL 2018"/>
  • The status of Syria's relationship with South Ossetia is presently unknown following the fall of the al-Assad regime on 8 December 2024.
Template:Flag 10 May 1969
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1969.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi.
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Beirut, but it has an honorary consulate in Damascus.<ref name="auto12"/>
  • Syrian President Hafez al-Assad visited Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1976.
Template:Flag 8 March 1946 Template:Small

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1946.<ref name="auto22"/> Diplomatic relations suspended since 2011. Syrian–Turkish relations have long been strained even though Turkey shares its longest common border with Syria and various other geographic, cultural, and historical links tie the two neighboring states together.

This friction has been due to disputes including the self annexation of the Hatay Province to Turkey in 1939, water disputes resulting from the Southeastern Anatolia Project, and Syria's support for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA), but relations have improved greatly since October 1998; when PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan was expelled by Syrian authorities.

Syria had embassy in Ankara<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and two consulates–general in Istanbul<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Gaziantep.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Both countries have been full members of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), although Syria's membership in the former was suspended in 2011<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="member-states">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> as well as from the latter in 2012.<ref name="Alsharif 2012">Template:Cite web</ref>

Because of the Syrian civil war relations between Syria and Turkey have become increasingly tense. Turkey closed its embassy in Damascus on 26 March 2012,<ref name="Balci 2012">Template:Cite web</ref> as well as its consulate–general in Aleppo.Template:Citation needed In April 2012 it hosted the second meeting of the Friends of Syria, the Arab-Western coalition in support of the Syrian opposition.<ref name="Balci 2012"/>

Turkey has been taking in refugees from Syria, although abuse and injustice towards the Syrian refugees has been reported. Relations have further been degraded due to a serious incident that occurred with the Syrian downing of a Turkish military training flight in June 2012. Relations worsened further in May 2013 following a border incident involving two car bombs exploding in the town of Reyhanlı, Hatay Province, Turkey. At least 43 people were killed and 140 more were injured in the attack. The car bombs were left outside Reyhanlı's town hall and post office. The first exploded at around 13:45 local time (10:45 GMT)[40] and the second exploded about 15 minutes later.

The issue that cemented the crack in the relations was Turkey's reported dealings with the Islamic State (an enemy of the Syrian government) in oil and weapons by various sources. A video surfacing of the Islamic State being unopposed by Turkish security as they traveled across the border between Syria, questions more of Turkey's alleged role of simply fighting terrorism.Template:Citation needed

Turkish Military troops attacked the Kurdish backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on 8 October 2019, after the acting US President Donald Trump recalled US military troops from Syria the previous day. The US action to move troops out of the region was done so solely by the US president with stern disapproval by US military intelligence departments.

Turkey re-established diplomatic relations with Syria on 14 December 2024, following the fall of the al-Assad regime.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag 19 January 1972 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 January 1972.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • UAE has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Both countries are members of the Arab League.
  • In 2016, the Emirates was planning to normalize its relations with Syria, but was barred by the US.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • UAE re-opened its Damascus embassy in December 2018.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2019 Qatar" />
  • In November 2021, the UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to Damascus to meet Bashar al-Assad. He was the first Emirati official to visit Syria, since the war. The US strongly opposed efforts to normalize ties with Syria.
  • On 18 March 2022, Assad travelled to the UAE to meet Emirati leaders, including Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was Assad's first visit to an Arab nation since 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 19 March 2023, Assad visited the UAE again, with his wife Asma al-Assad.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 23 May 1965 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 May 1965.<ref name="auto19"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Sanaa.<ref name="mofaex.gov.sy"/>
  • Between 2014 and 2023, Yemen's embassy in Damascus (and its ambassador) was under supervision of Houthi-led Supreme Political Council.<ref name="ym3"/>
  • In 2023, Syria returned embassy to the internationally recognized Yemeni government.<ref name="ym3">Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Both countries normalized relations in 2023.<ref name="ym3"/>
  • Both countries are members of the Arab League.

Europe

[edit]

Template:Main The Czech Republic and Austria were the only European Union countries which never closed its embasies in Damascus throughout the Syrian civil war.<ref name="euronews" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Greece and Cyprus re-established diplomatic relations with Syria and opened their embassies in 2021, making them the first EU countries to do so.<ref name="nationalinterest.org">Template:Cite web</ref> Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania appointed a chargé d'affaires to their diplomatic missions in the country.<ref name="euronews"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following the fall of the Assad regime, Germany and France became the first European Union countries to visit Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 16 January 2025, Spain reopened its Embassy in Damascus.<ref name="arabnews.com">Template:Cite web</ref> On 20 March 2025, Germany reopened its Embassy in Damascus.<ref name="nisreen">Template:Cite web</ref>

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Template:Flag 7 February 1952 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 February 1952.<ref name="auto9"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Vienna.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Austria has an embassy in Damascus since 1978.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 26 August 1993 Template:Small
Template:Flag 20 March 1946 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 March 1946 when has been appointed M.R. Taymans as Chargé d'Affaires of Belgium to Syria with residence in Beirut.<ref name="auto29"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Brussels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Embassy of Belgium in Damascus was closed on 29 March 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag 1 December 1994
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1994.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Bosnia from its embassy in Belgrade.
Template:Flag 24 August 1954 Template:Small
Template:Flag 29 August 1997 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 August 1997.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is represented in Croatia through its embassy in Budapest and its honorary consulate in Zagreb.
  • Croatia is represented in Syria through its embassy in Cairo, Egypt and an honorary consulate in Damascus.
  • Diplomatic relations were terminated in 2012.<ref name=pusic>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag 1 February 1962

Template:Small

  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 February 1962 when Cyprus has agreed to the appointment of Thabit al-Aris, as Syrian Ambassador to Cyprus.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Both countries re-established relations in 2021.<ref name="euronews">Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Syrian president Bashar al-Assad became the first Syrian head of state to visit Cyprus in November 2010, resulting in the signing of five agreements between the two countries and pledges to work closer together on issues of common interest.
  • Christofias awarded al-Assad the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III, while the Syrian leader presented Christofias with the National Order of Ummayya with the Grand Sash.
  • Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Syria
Template:Flag 20 September 1946
  • Syria and Czechoslovakia established diplomatic relations on 20 September 1946.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Prague.
  • Czech Republic has an embassy in Damascus.
Template:Flag 6 July 1953
(relations suspended 2012)		 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 July 1953 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Syria to Denmark with residence in Stockholm Jamal E. D. Farra.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Stockholm.<ref name="SyrScand"/>
  • Denmark was represented in Syria through its embassy in Damascus until 2012, when relations between the two countries were severed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Following the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy and subsequent attack on the Danish embassy in 2006, relations between the two countries were greatly strained.
Template:Flag 22 May 1953
Template:Flag 18 June 1946 Template:Small
Template:Flag 14 October 1952Template:Efn Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1952.<ref name="auto31"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Berlin and honorary consulate in Bremen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The German embassy in Damascus was reopened on 20 March 2025.<ref name="nisreen"/>
  • Germany hosts the most Syrian refugees in the EU.
  • Relations were severed from 1965 to 1974 after Germany's establishing relations with Israel.
Template:Flag 24 June 1947 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1947 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and minister Plenipotentiary of Greece to Syria with residence in Cairo Mr. Georges Triandafyllides.<ref name="auto40"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Athens.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Greece has an embassy in Damascus.
  • On 8 May 2020, the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias announced a restoration of relations between Greece and Syria and assigned former ambassador to Syria and Russia, Tasia Athanassiou, as a Special Envoy of Greece's Foreign Ministry for Syria.
  • See Greeks in Syria
  • Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry about relations with Syria
Template:Flag 21 February 1953 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 February 1953.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Rome.
  • The Holy See has a nunciature in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • At present, the Holy See has comparatively good relations with Syria. It has sought to foster ecumenism between rival Christian factions in Antioch and to ensure the survival of age-old Christian communities in the country. The declaration Nostra aetate has made possible inter-faith dialogue and cooperation with Syrian Muslims.
  • Some Vatican leaders have also sought to foster greater political independence for Lebanon, which has been tied to Syria since the end of the Lebanese civil war. This call for Lebanese independence has traditionally been resisted by Syrian leaders.
  • John Paul II visited Syria in 2001 and was the first pope to have been to an Islamic mosque, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus,<ref name="Mosque">Template:Cite web</ref> which includes the relics of John the Baptist.
  • Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended Pope John Paul II's funeral.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 13 October 1954<ref name="auto">Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Small
Template:Flag 18 July 1975
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1975.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
  • Syria is represented in Ireland through its embassy in Paris, France.<ref name="mofaex.gov.sy"/>
  • Ireland is represented in Syria through its embassy in Cairo, Egypt and an honorary consulate in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 27 September 1947 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 1947 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Italy to Syria Mr. Luigi Cortese.<ref name="auto30"/>
  • Syrian embassy in Rome was reopened in 2024.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Italian embassy in Damascus was reopened in 2024, after its closure at early stage of war in March 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="embassy close">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":2" />
  • In 2019, Italy announced it was considering re-opening its embassy,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and in July 2024 it decided to appoint an ambassador to Syria, the first such move since 2012. Italy is the first G7 nation to restore diplomatic ties with Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 20 May 1993
Template:Flag 24 January 1952 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1952 when Mr. Knoop Koopmans was accredited to Syria.<ref name="auto9"/>
  • Syria is accredited to the Netherlands from its embassy in Brussels.
  • The Netherlands closed its embassy in Syria in March 2012.<ref name="embassy close"/>
Template:Flag 11 August 1948 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 August 1948.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Norway from its embassy in Stockholm.<ref name="SyrScand"/>
  • Norwegian embassy in Damascus was closed in March 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag 18 September 1945
  • Both countries established diplomatic relationbs on 18 September 1945.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Warsaw.
  • Poland had an embassy in Damascus which closed in July 2012 due to security reasons.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag 19 February 1975
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 February 1975.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Portugal from its embassy in Madrid.
  • Portugal is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Nicosia.
Template:Flag 9 August 1955 Template:Small
Template:Flag 25 July 1944 Template:Small
Template:Flag 18 May 1946 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 1946 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Yugoslavia to Syria Mr. Esref Badnjevic.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Syria has an embassy in Belgrade.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Serbia has an embassy in Damascus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Also, Syria is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and Serbia is an observer state.
  • Serbia, as one of the few European states, is one of the close allies of the Syrian government.
Template:Flag 1 January 1993
Template:Flag 25 August 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 August 1997.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is accredited to Slovenia from its embassy in Vienna.
  • In November 2021, during a visit to the Syrian pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, the ministerial delegation of Slovenia confirmed unofficially its interest in re-establishing relations with Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 3 April 1948 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1948.<ref name="auto45"/><ref name="auto57"/>
  • Syria has an embassy in Madrid.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Spain has an embassy in Damascus.<ref name="arabnews.com"/>
Template:Flag 24 June 1947 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1947 when with accredation of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Syria with residence in Cairo Mr. Widar Bagge.<ref name="auto40"/>
  • Sweden has an embassy in Damascus and honorary consulate in Aleppo.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Syria is represented in Sweden through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 1945 Template:Small
  • Syria has an consulate general in Geneva.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>
  • Switzerland closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 for security reasons.<ref name="Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten EDA">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Switzerland has a humanitarian presence in Damascus since 2017, through an office that coordinates Swiss humanitarian activities in Syria. Although the embassy in Damascus is closed, diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Syria have not been broken off.<ref name="Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten EDA" />
Template:Flag 31 March 1992
Relations severed on 30 June 2022		 Template:Small
Template:Flag 21 May 1942 Template:Small
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 May 1942 when first British Minister presented his credentials to President of Syria Taj al-Din al-Hasani.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In 2001, positive relations were developed between Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Syrian government, as part of the War on Terror.<ref name="Blair visits Syria">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Since the 2011 civil war, relations have deteriorated, and the UK was one of the first countries to recognise the opposition as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people.<ref name="MacFarquhar Mourtada 2012">Template:Cite news</ref>
  • The Embassy of Syria in London was closed in 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • The British Embassy in Damascus was closed in 2012.<ref name="AboutFCO2012">Template:Cite web</ref>

Membership in international organizations

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Syria is a member of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa,<ref name="intro">Template:Cite web</ref> Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development,<ref name="Welcome to Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development">Template:Cite web</ref> 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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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),<ref name = "EBU Associate Members">Template:Cite web</ref> 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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions, International Chamber of Commerce, International Development Association,<ref name="IDA Graduates">Template:Cite web</ref> Islamic Development Bank (suspended 2012),<ref name="Alsharif 2012" /> International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Finance Corporation, International Labour Organization, International Monetary Fund, International Maritime Organization, Intelsat, Interpol,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (joined 2013, suspended 2021),<ref name="Al Jazeera 2021 opcw">Template:Cite web</ref> 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),<ref name="member-states"/> Universal Postal Union, World Bank, World Court, World Customs Organization, World Federation of Trade Unions,<ref name="WFTU 2020">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Syria was elected to the executive of the World Health Organization in 2021.<ref name="The Independent 2021">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Jaafari 2021">Template:Cite web</ref>

Arab League

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Syria was temporarily suspended from the Arab League since the beginning of the Syrian civil war.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="Reuters 2012">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Arab League summit opens in Doha with focus on Syrian crisis Xinhua News Agency. 23 March 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2014.</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In late 2018, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco began lobbying for Syria's return to the League.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2019 Qatar"/>

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),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Lebanon (after 2021),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Algeria,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Mauritania (after 2018),<ref name="arg"/> Bahrain (after 2018),<ref name=bhrel/> Kuwait (after 2018),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Libya,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Oman,<ref name="nyt">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Comoros, Sudan (after 2018),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Yemen,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Somalia<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref> and Palestine.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> while the United Arab Emirates reopened their embassy in Syria on 27 December,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Bahrain<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="syrf23"/>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International disputes

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Notes

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See also

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References

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Further reading

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Template:Foreign relations of Syria Template:Syria topics Template:Asia topic

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