Ukraine and Syria Restore Diplomatic Relations After Years of Tension

Strategic Insights -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with Syria following a meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and a delegation also attended the meeting, marking a significant shift in the two countries' relationship. The move comes after Ukraine broke off relations with Syria in 2022 following the recognition of the Russian-backed breakaway republics in eastern Ukraine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukraine and Syria have formally restored diplomatic relations after a meeting between President Zelenskyy and Syrian interim President al-Sharaa.
  • The two countries signed a Joint Communiqué outlining their agreement to build relations on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
  • Ukraine and Syria have agreed to develop cooperation in promising sectors, including countering security threats faced by both countries.
  • Syrian interim President al-Sharaa called for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria in his debut speech at the UN General Assembly.
  • Al-Sharaa highlighted the reform measures introduced in Syria since his assumption of power, including the creation of new institutions and plans for elections.
  • The restoration of relations comes after Ukraine broke off ties with Syria in 2022 due to Syria's recognition of the Russian-backed breakaway republics in eastern Ukraine.
  • Syria announced it would break ties with Ukraine in response to Kyiv's move.

Statistics:

  • Ukraine broke off relations with Syria in 2022.
  • Syria announced it would break ties with Ukraine in response.
  • Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani attended the meeting with President Zelenskyy.
  • Syrian interim President al-Sharaa arrived in New York with a delegation of ministers to join the UN General Assembly.
  • Syria boycotted the UN General Assembly for nearly 60 years, with President Nureddin al-Atassi attending the last summit in 1970.

Sources:

  • Zelenskyy, Volodymyr. "Today, Ukraine and Syria signed a Joint Communiqu on the restoration of diplomatic relations." Twitter, 24 Sep 2023.
  • Syrian Foreign Ministry. "Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani attends meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy."
  • Al-Sharaa, Ahmed. Debut speech at the UN General Assembly.
  • Al Jazeera. "Syria formally breaks diplomatic ties with Ukraine." 20 Jul 2022.