Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani urged Kuwait to reopen its embassy in Damascus and reestablish diplomatic ties after Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power, Syria's official media reported on December 31. 

Gulf officials have rushed to Damascus in recent days to connect with the new leadership following the downfall of the Assad regime on December 8. The new government, supported by Turkey and Qatar, is seeking multi-billion dollar investment and contracts in the coming years, including the resumption of a potential gas pipeline that would run from Qatar to Turkey and onwards to Europe. The new government is also increasingly vocal against Assad's former backer, Iran, which has now been removed from any position of influence over Damascus. 

Al-Shibani's call came during a high-profile visit by Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi.

The delegation met with Syria’s top Commander and de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss cooperation and support for the country’s recovery.

At a joint press conference, Shibani said: “We warmly and joyfully urge our brothers in Kuwait to reopen their embassy in Damascus and restore diplomatic relations as soon as possible,” Reuters reported.

Al-Yahya echoed the sentiment, urging the global community to reconsider sanctions imposed on Syria and highlighting Kuwait’s commitment to providing urgent aid.

He said: “The visit demonstrates our enthusiasm for starting a new chapter in regional collaboration... we also appreciate the willingness of the new administration in Syria to engage in these efforts.”

Relations between Syria and Persian Gulf states were severed during the civil war, as Assad leaned on Iran and Russia for support against a Sunni-led rebellion.

However, the Arab League reinstated Syria in 2023 after more than a decade of suspension, paving the way for renewed ties.

A day earlier, in a surprise visit, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha led a high-level delegation to Damascus on December 30 for talks with the Syrian leadership.

The Ukrainians pledged strategic cooperation and humanitarian assistance as Ukraine moves to establish relations with Syria's new administration on the back of the Russian departure from the country.

The delegation, including Ukraine's agriculture minister and a presidential special representative, discussed wide-ranging political, economic and social partnerships.