Qatar's Emir Tells Sharaa 'Urgent Need' for Inclusive Syrian Government

This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
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Qatar's Emir Tells Sharaa 'Urgent Need' for Inclusive Syrian Government

This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)

Visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized the "urgent need" to form an inclusive Syrian government during a meeting Thursday with the country's new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Qatari royal court said.

The emir's trip to Damascus -- the first by a head of state since the opposition toppled president Bashar al-Assad less than two months ago -- comes a day after Sharaa was appointed interim president for an unspecified transitional period.

It also follows a visit by Qatar's prime minister this month.

The emir "stressed the urgent need to form a government representing all spectrums" of Syrian society in order "to consolidate stability and move forward with reconstruction, development and prosperity projects,” the royal court statement said, congratulating Sharaa on his appointment.

Syria's new authorities on Wednesday said Sharaa had also been tasked with forming a transitional legislature. They announced the dissolution of all armed groups involved in Assad's overthrow, as well as the former government's army.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said discussions with the Qatari delegation included reconstruction in the country devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war.

"We discussed a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation concerning reconstruction," Shibani said during a press conference with Qatari Minister of State at the foreign ministry, Mohammed al-Khulaifi.

He said their talks covered "vital sectors including infrastructure... investment and banking services, paving the way for economic recovery, health and education.”



Gulf Leaders Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Founding Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Gulf Leaders Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Founding Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Arab Gulf leaders sent on Friday cables of congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day that will be celebrated on February 22.

He received cables from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

They wished King Salman health and Saudi Arabia further progress, development and prosperity.

King Hamad hailed the Kingdom’s development and achievements across various fields, which have strengthened its regional and international standing.

He expressed deep pride in the strong fraternal relations between their countries and peoples, noting their continuous development. He reiterated his commitment to further strengthening these historical ties across all areas of cooperation to fulfill the aspirations of both nations.

King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman also sent a similar cable to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, conveying their sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion.