Syria continues to juggle its foreign relations. This is happening even as the Syrian transitional government faces questions over alleged airstrikes in Homs and Latakia on Monday evening.
In addition, on September 3, there were reports of an explosion at the Damascus International Airport. Damascus is already on edge after what it claimed was an Israeli raid in late August targeting a site at Kiswa.
However, Syria is trying to ignore these tensions and conduct business as usual.
On Tuesday, Syria’s state media said that the country was holding meetings with the Lebanese. “A preliminary meeting was held on Monday between committees from the Justice Ministry and security ones, based on the outcomes of a previous meeting between a delegation of the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry in Syria and the Lebanese government,” SANA reported.
The Syrians also hosted a Russian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. It arrived on Tuesday at the Damascus International Airport. “The delegation is scheduled to meet with several senior Syrian officials for talks covering economic, security, defense, and political cooperation,” SANA said.
Looking to build relations with Qatar, the UAE
On the energy and finance front, the Syrians have been reaching out to the Qataris.
According to SANA, “Syrian Oil and Mineral Resources Minister Mohammad al-Bashir held talks today in Doha with Qatari Energy Affairs Minister Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in the fields of oil and gas.”
They are leveraging their technical and engineering expertise, drawing on Qatar’s knowledge. QatarEnergy could be interested in investing in energy infrastructure in Syria.
“Both sides also examined prospects for joint investments in future projects to support the growth of Syria’s energy sector in ways that serve the interests of both countries and peoples,” SANA added.
While Doha is examining energy deals, the UAE is also in Syria this week to discuss tourism. Syria’s Tourism Minister, Mazen al-Salhani, met with a UAE delegation on Monday.
Businessperson Khalaf al-Habtoor headed the UAE delegation. Investment may be coming soon from the UAE.
“During a meeting held today at the ministry’s building in Damascus, the two sides discussed mechanisms for activating investment tourism in Syria and a study on the status of restaurants and tourism licenses,” SANA reported.
Potential investment may target Kiwan Land in Damascus, the Joul Jamal coast in Latakia, and also the Citadel Hotel project in Aleppo.
Lastly, Syria is meeting with Turkey to discuss defense issues. The Syrian Air Force Commander, Brig.-Gen. Assem Hawari met in Ankara with Turkish Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu and Turkish Air Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, following an official invitation, SANA said.
“According to the Syrian Defense Ministry channel on Telegram, the talks covered some shared files and issues of mutual interest.” Ankara is expected to be a key military partner for Syria in the coming years.