Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the leader of the new regime in Syria, has invited Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit Damascus, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.

In a meeting with a high-level Qatari delegation, Al-Sharaa announced the launch of extensive strategic cooperation with Qatar.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Sharaa described Qatar's involvement in Syria's next phase as "effective and important," underscoring the growing collaboration between the two sides.

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs @Dr_Al_Khulaifi: In-Depth Consultations Held with Leader of New Administration of Syria on the Country’s Future

🔗Read More: https://t.co/FCKFOhnPvb#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/GrEiypnsjb

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) December 23, 2024

Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, on his part, discussed the transitional period with Al-Sharaa during the visit.

"The Syrian people will be the masters of their own decisions and will not be subject to external guardianship," Al-Khulaifi stated.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, confirmed the visit in a post shared on X.

HE @Dr_Al_Khulaifi arrived in Damascus earlier today on board the 1st Qatar Airways plane to land at the Syrian airport since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime, as the head of a high-level Qatari delegation HE will hold a series of meetings with Syrian officials to embody…

— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) December 23, 2024

This visit comes as Qatar officially reopened its embassy in Damascus last Saturday after a 13-year closure. The Qatari flag was raised over the embassy building, marking a symbolic step in restoring diplomatic ties.

Read more: Qatar to reopen embassy in Syria: Foreign Ministry