Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Oslo Peace Forum this week, engaging with counterparts from Egypt, Norway, Indonesia, and Qatar to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional stability. The closed-door forum, held annually in Norway, serves as a platform for conflict resolution amid rising global tensions.
Shaibani’s discussions demonstrates Syria’s efforts to reintegrate into the international community following years of isolation. His meetings come as several Arab and European nations reassess their diplomatic and economic relations with Damascus.
In a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdulati on Wednesday, June 11, the two officials explored ways to deepen bilateral ties and address regional challenges. Abdulati reiterated Egypt’s commitment to Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcoming recent moves to lift US and European sanctions. The meeting followed a March 4 discussion between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Egyptian President Abdulfattah al-Sisi during an Arab League summit in Cairo.
Norway Eyes Mediation Role in Syrian Reconciliation
Shaibani also met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to discuss shared interests and potential collaboration. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry emphasized the forum’s focus on mediation strategies amid “increasing polarization and competition among great powers.”
Norway has historically played a neutral role in conflict resolution, and this year’s forum, themed “All Hands on Deck: Mediation in a Changing World,” brought together over 100 diplomats to address global crises.
Expanding Partnerships
Earlier in the week, Shaibani met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Nice, where Barrot commended Syria’s “continued commitment to cooperation with multilateral organizations.” The talks touched on economic recovery, chemical weapons disposal, and the decline in Captagon production—a key concern for European nations.
Shaibani’s diplomatic tour extended to Indonesia and Qatar, where he discussed energy cooperation and chemical weapons disarmament with Qatari Minister of State Muhammad al-Khulaifi. He also spoke with Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anies Matta, exploring broader regional coordination with the state which has already pledged to help repair roads and rebuild electrical and water distribution networks and with agricultural development.
These engagements signal Syria’s ongoing attempts to diversify alliances as it navigates post-war challenges. The Oslo Forum, known for its discreet, solution-driven dialogues, provided a critical venue for these discussions.
A Path Forward Through Dialogue
As global conflicts intensify, Syria’s outreach at Oslo highlights its bid for reintegration. While challenges remain—from ongoing threats of regime remnants, ISIS and external parties like Iran and Israel—Shaibani’s meetings reflect a concerted push to forge alliances that will help achieve stability.
With Arab and European partners slowly re-engaging, the forum may mark yet another step toward broader diplomatic normalization. As Norway’s Foreign Ministry noted, the world’s crises demand “practical approaches”—and for Syria, such dialogue remains its most viable tool.
