Doha, January 30 (QNA) - In a significant milestone of the unyielding fraternal support extended by the State of Qatar to the brothers in Syria, and in a step that reflects the unwavering commitment to this support adopted by the Qatari leadership, comes HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, as the first-of-its-kind for a head of state since the downfall of the previous Syrian regime on Dec.8, 2024.

HH the Amir is expected to discuss with HE President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed Al Sharaa, advancing bilateral relationship in a range of sectors and fields and building a future partnership for the benefit of the two nations and peoples.

This visit signifies numerous messages, as it comes at a critical moment in Syria's history, at a time the country requires massive support to rebuild on the foundations of dignity, rights, and legitimate aspirations. It reaffirms Qatar's enduring solidarity with the people of Syria in their pursuit of peace and justice, while expressing readiness to cooperate with the Syrian administration, particularly on the issue of lifting the sanctions.

The State of Qatar has been swift in initiating high-level communication with the Syrian administration. And on Jan.16, 2025, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, visited Damascus and met at Al Shaab Palace with HE Al Sharaa, and discussed cooperative relations between the two countries and avenues for strengthening them, the latest developments in Syria, as well as other topics of common interest.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar's supportive position for the unity, sovereignty and independence of Syria and achieving the aspirations of the brotherly people of Syria to decent living and building the state of institutions and law.

During a joint press conference held with HE Al Sharaa, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar's welcoming of the positive steps that had been taken by the Syrian administration in protecting the safety of civilians, stabilizing the state institutions and ensuring the continuous operation of public utilities.

His Excellency stated that it was his pleasure to be in Damascus to mark the resumption of the Qatar-Syria ties after a hiatus of nearly 13 years, reaffirming Qatar's enduring support for the brotherly people of Syria.

On Jan.5, 2025, a high-level Syrian delegation visited Doha, including HE Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian administration, Asaad Al Shaibani, HE Minister of Defense, Murhaf Abu Qasra, and HE Head of the Intelligence Service, Anas Khattab.

The delegation held separate meetings with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, and HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

The meetings discussed the State of Qatar's unwavering position in supporting the brotherly people of Syria and identifying the foremost needs, in terms of humanitarian and development aspects in Syria.

The Qatari side was briefed on the current situation in Syria, along with the administration's plans for the coming period. 

On Wednesday, the Military Operations Administration in Syria declared a series of steps and regulatory measures that included abrogating the constitution issued in 2012 and dissolving of the People's Assembly and its affiliated committees.

The military administration had announced that the, then Commander-in-Chief of Syria's Administration, Al Sharaa, would assume the presidency during the transitional period, overseeing the responsibilities of the President of the Syrian Arab Republic and representing the nation on the international stage.

In confirmation of the State of Qatar's enduring support for the brothers in Syria, it welcomed the steps that aim to restructure the sisterly Syrian State, foster consensus and unity among all Syrian parties in the run-up to enhanced civil peace, security, stability and building the state of law and institutions, as well as development and prosperity.

In a statement on Wednesday, the State of Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the current critical stage in Syria requires the state to control weapons in a single army that represents all components without exclusion to safeguard the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, in the lead-up to a peaceful transfer of power through a comprehensive political process.

The ministry reiterated the State of Qatar's full support for Syria in all fields, along with its effective contribution to all regional and global efforts aimed at achieving the aspirations of the people of Syria for freedom, development, prosperity and decent living.

On Dec.16, 2024, the State of Qatar resumed the operations at its embassy in Damascus and appointed HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as the charge d'affaires, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighting this move came following a hiatus of nearly 13 years, during which all diplomatic ties with the Syrian regime were severed in 2011.

The move came in expression of the State of Qatar's initial solidarity with the revolution of the people of Syria and its enduring support for their demand for decent life, freedom and social justice, in confirmation of the State of Qatar's utmost rejection of all repressive policies pursued by the regime against the brotherly people of Syria.

As part of the State of Qatar's unwavering support for the brotherly people of Syria, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad inaugurated Wednesday Al Amal residential city project to shelter the people affected by crises and provide decent housing for displaced families in northern Syria.

Established in collaboration between Qatar Charity (QC) and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), the residential city includes 1,400 houses equipped to accommodate more than 8,800 people and is equipped with basic service facilities of schools, markets, a health center and a mosque, making it a significant turning point in the lives of hundreds of families who have moved from refugee tents to homes that preserve their dignity and offer safety.

Several beneficiaries expressed their utmost satisfaction upon receiving their homes following years-long hardship spent in camps amid formidable conditions. They highlighted the State of Qatar's steadfast support, along with the QC's efforts to accomplish this project.

It is abundantly clear that the State of Qatar, and stemming from its ironclad commitments and principles to stand in support of the unity, sovereignty and independence of Syria in pursuit of achieving the Syrians' aspirations for decent living and building the state of institutions and law, will permanently uphold its obligations in standing with the Syrian brothers in their pursuit for achieving peace, stability, justice and prosperity.

The State of Qatar's doors will remain open to extend a hand of goodwill to the people of Syria, offering aid, relief, and assistance, while fostering a comprehensive partnership designed to yield mutual benefits and positive outcomes for both nations and their peoples. (QNA)