The Syrian government continues to expand its diplomatic reach during its post-Assad transition as several regional powers, including Turkey, Qatar, and Lebanon, formally appointed ambassadors to Damascus for the first time in over a decade. The appointments underscore growing confidence in Syria’s new political order and its reintegration into the regional and international community.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), President Ahmad al-Sharaa received the credentials of several ambassadors this past week at the People’s Palace in Damascus, including those of Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Armenia. These developments follow similar gestures by neighboring countries seeking to reestablish formal diplomatic channels with the new Syrian government.
Turkey’s Strategic Move Toward Damascus
In a move viewed as both symbolic and strategic, Turkey appointed veteran diplomat Nuh Yilmaz as its new ambassador to Syria. The Turkish Anadolu Agency reported that the appointment, signed by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, marks “a significant step in revitalizing diplomatic relations” between Ankara and Damascus.
Yilmaz, who previously served as deputy foreign minister and held senior posts in Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, is expected to play a key role in coordinating security and economic policies. Turkish analyst Taha Odeh Oglu told Arabi21 that Ankara is “throwing its intelligence and diplomatic weight” behind the appointment, emphasizing that “Ankara considers Syria’s security to be part of its own strategy.”
Political writer Abdullah Suleymanoglu added that Yilmaz’s role “goes beyond traditional diplomacy,” reflecting Ankara’s intent to deepen cooperation with Syria on border security, refugee return, and regional stability.
Qatar Returns to Damascus After 14 Years
In another milestone, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Emiri Decree No. 44 of 2025 appointing Khalifa Abdullah Saad Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Doha’s ambassador to Syria—the first since diplomatic ties were severed in 2011. The Qatari newspaper Al Sharq reported that Sharif, a seasoned diplomat with postings in Portugal and South Africa, will serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The decision coincided with President Sharaa’s reception of new ambassadors, signaling that Damascus is once again becoming a regional hub for diplomacy.
Lebanon Rekindles Official Ties
Lebanon has also renewed its diplomatic presence in Syria, with President Joseph Aoun appointing Henri Jean Kastoun as ambassador to Damascus. Kastoun, a veteran envoy who previously represented Lebanon in Liberia and Mali, presented his credentials earlier this year. The Lebanese Presidency emphasized the move as part of efforts to “strengthen bilateral relations and address the needs of Lebanese communities abroad.”
The appointment follows the formal suspension of the long-dormant Lebanese-Syrian Supreme Council, marking the end of an era of indirect coordination and the beginning of direct diplomatic engagement between the two neighbors.
Regional Reintegration Gains Momentum
The return of ambassadors from Turkey, Qatar, Lebanon, and other nations marks Syria’s steady return to the regional diplomatic arena after years of isolation. As President Sharaa continues to receive new envoys and build partnerships, analysts say the wave of appointments reflects both pragmatic realignment and a broader regional push for stability after a decade of upheaval.
