May 11, 2025

Syria's President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, traveled to Bahrain to meet with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to discuss mutual relations and regional affairs. The two leaders focused on ways to enhance their ties and support Syria's security and stability. Al-Sharaa has been actively engaging with Arab and regional countries since assuming office, including visits to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Turkiye. In a significant development, he recently held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and revealed indirect negotiations with Israel. The discussions with Bahrain are crucial as they coincide with upcoming talks between US President Donald Trump and gulf Arab leaders in the region. Following Assad's removal, Syria and its neighboring countries have been advocating for the removal of Western sanctions imposed during the early stages of the conflict in 2011. The lifting of these sanctions would pave the way for oil-rich Arab nations to contribute to Syria's reconstruction efforts, estimated by the UN to cost over USD 250 billion, with potential figures reaching USD 400 billion. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already pledged to settle Syria's outstanding debt to the World Bank, potentially restoring international support for the war-torn nation. Syria's new leadership, distancing itself from its previous alliance with Iran, is actively seeking to enhance relations with both Arab and Western countries, indicating a shift in diplomatic strategies. The engagement with Bahrain signals a diplomatic milestone for Syria's efforts to rebuild and strengthen international partnerships.

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Tags: Syria, Bahrain, President, Regional affairs, Middle east, Diplomacy,