Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani outlined plans for rebuilding Syria and discussed economic sanctions during extensive talks with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha on January 5.

"Our meeting with our brothers in Qatar was deep and extensive, discussing fundamental and strategic issues," Al-Shaibani said following the talks, which also included Qatar's Minister of State Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Al Watan reported.

The Syrian minister presented what he called a roadmap for rebuilding Syria, emphasising plans to "enable Syrian citizens' civil rights and build a government representing all components of society."

Al-Shaibani highlighted Qatar's "prominent role in supporting the Syrian people" both during previous hardships and current reconstruction efforts, describing Qatar as a "strategic partner."

The minister raised concerns about ongoing economic sanctions, which he said are "now against the Syrian people" and obstacle to swift economic recovery.

He renewed calls for the United States to lift sanctions to accelerate recovery and "launch the building of a new Syria."

"The new Syria will enjoy good relations with the region, dominated by peace and joint cooperation, far from the former regime's relationship pattern with the region," Al-Shaibani said, adding that Damascus seeks to repair relations with Arab, regional and international communities.

The minister said that the current phase requires "honesty and joint cooperation" with all regional countries to build what he described as "a new Syria of justice, freedom and equality, where citizens feel a sense of belonging."

Qatar was the first regional country to meet with the new Syrian leadership on December 23, IntelliNews previously reported.

Qatar  dispatched a high-level diplomatic mission to Damascus as it moves to engage with Syria's new administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatar's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the delegation to Damascus.

Qatar's position in connecting with the new administration has been strengthened by its close relationship with Turkey, which maintains significant influence with both Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.

The diplomatic engagement also has economic implications, particularly regarding the potential development of a gas pipeline that would connect Qatar through Syria to Turkey.

This infrastructure project could significantly impact regional energy dynamics, allowing European industry to grow with cheap gas away from Russia.

Arab states have responded cautiously to Assad's fall and the takeover by HTS-led Islamist rebels under al-Sharaa, who is also known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.