Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa chaired the first meeting of the newly formed government on Monday, outlining an ambitious agenda centered on reconstruction, economic revitalization, and national unity. The meeting came just over a week after the announcement of the transitional cabinet on March 30.
President Sharaa Sets Reconstruction, Civil Peace as Priorities
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Sharaa emphasized the urgency of rebuilding the state’s damaged infrastructure and financial systems, which he said had been severely degraded under the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad. He called for strategic urban planning that preserves Syria’s cultural identity, and stressed the need for digital transformation and swift implementation of reform plans.
“Integration among ministries must prioritize citizens’ needs, promote civil peace, and drive national unity,” Sharaa said. He urged ministers to submit detailed action plans at the next cabinet meeting for rapid assessment and implementation.
Cabinet Reflects Broad Mandate for Reform
The new cabinet, made up of 23 ministers, includes officials tasked with rebuilding key sectors. Hind Qabwat, the only woman appointed, will serve as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor. Sovereign positions remained unchanged, with Asaad al-Shaibani continuing as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Marhaf Abu Qasra retaining the post of Minister of Defense.
Key portfolios were reshuffled, including the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Economy, Energy, and Information. Minister of Information Hamza Mustafa used the meeting to call for a national media discourse that supports reconciliation and state rebuilding. “Media must reflect the unity and future of Syria,” he said.
Ministers also discussed the need to rebuild the military under state control and finalize integration agreements with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and other regional factions.
Foreign Ministry Recalls Assad-Era Diplomats
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has begun a sweeping overhaul of its diplomatic corps, recalling prominent Assad-era envoys and signaling a new direction under President Sharaa’s transitional leadership.
Foreign Minister Shaibani announced the restructuring of Syrian embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide, stating the move aligns with the president’s directives. The objective, he said, is to ensure dignified international representation and improve services for Syrian nationals abroad.
As part of the reshuffle, the ministry has recalled two high-profile ambassadors—Bashar al-Jaafari in Moscow and Ayman Sousan in Riyadh—to its central administration in Damascus. Both men were long seen as staunch defenders of the Assad regime.
“This marks the beginning of a broader review of diplomatic appointments,” a ministry source told SANA. Until new ambassadors are appointed, the embassies in Moscow and Riyadh will be headed by chargés d’affaires.
The shakeup is part of a wider effort to replace personnel closely tied to the former regime. Syria currently operates 54 diplomatic missions abroad, staffed by 152 officials. According to Syria TV, the Foreign Ministry has begun reviewing personnel files and plans to introduce diplomats with academic and professional expertise in international relations.
These early steps reflect an attempt to break with the past and reposition Syria both diplomatically and domestically.
