tag

A Syrian court conducted the first hearing Sunday in the trial of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad and senior figures from his government, one of whom appeared in person.Assad and his brother Maher have fled Syria and will be tried in absentia, but one of their relatives, former security official Atef Najib, was in the dock in handcuffs."Today we begin the first trials of transitional justice in Syria," judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan declared as he opened the session."This includes a defendant in custody, present in the dock, as well as defendants who have fled justice," he said.A judicial source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the proceedings marked the beginning of preparations for the trials of Assad, his brother and other prominent figures like Najib.Najib, who was arrested in January 2025 in the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad government, appeared in court in Damascus in a striped prison jersey.He previously headed Syria's political security branch in the southern province of Daraa, where Syria's 2011 uprising first erupted.He is accused of leading a broad campaign of repression and arrests there.Assad fled to Moscow as Islamist-led forces closed in on Damascus in December 2024, ending more than five decades of his family dynasty's rule.The judge did not question Najib during Sunday's session, which was dedicated to "preparatory administrative and legal procedures", and announced that a second hearing would be held on May 10.The judicial source said in-person trials will include Wassim al-Assad, another relative of the ousted president, former grand mufti Ahmed Badreddin Hassoun, as well as military and security officials arrested by the new authorities in recent months. 

Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammed Yasser Barnieh affirmed that cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in the project to assess the financial and banking sector represents an important strategic step in a qualitative transformation phase that the Syrian economy is witnessing, towards a model based on productivity and attracting investments, after years of stagnation and challenges imposed by the war. In the context of a pivotal economic phase that Syria is going through, and in light of efforts to restructure the national economy and enhance the investment environment, Barnieh spoke to Qatar News Agency (QNA) about the features of the economic transformation, the current challenges and prospects for international cooperation. Barnieh emphasised that cooperation with the QFFD in the project to assess the financial and banking sector represents a very important strategic step, which falls within a qualitative transformation phase witnessed by the Syrian economy, which is moving towards a model based on productivity and attracting investments, after many years of stagnation and challenges imposed by the war. He explained that the Syrian economy is moving from a rentier model based on central planning to an economy that relies on the leadership of the private sector and attracting investments, indicating that Qatari support constitutes a fundamental lever for economic reform projects, especially in the financial and banking sector, which is the cornerstone for rebuilding the national economy. He added that Qatari investments, especially in the energy sector, are now directly contributing to supporting projects related to general economic policies, and are also strengthening efforts to reform the financial sector, enabling Syria to regain its ability to achieve economic recovery. The minister addressed the structural challenges facing the financial sector, explaining that they include a shortage of capital and its erosion as a result of the decline in the value of the currency and the shrinking size of the economy, which has led to an almost complete disconnection from international financial markets, in addition to the decline in reinsurance relationships and the decrease in the number of correspondent banks to the lowest levels. He pointed to a clear gap in communication with foreign capital and international investors, resulting from the absence of effective channels and mechanisms to attract and direct financing towards productive sectors, in addition to the weakness of the legislative and regulatory system and the need for a comprehensive update of laws and regulations to keep pace with modern developments in financial work. He also pointed to the depletion of human resources as a result of the emigration of many specialized experts, which necessitates working to attract them again and qualify local personnel through intensive training programs, in addition to the weakness of the infrastructure and financial technologies, especially in light of the restrictions imposed by the sanctions on access to modern financial technology. The minister affirmed that the challenges are not limited to the banking system or financial policies separately, but require real integration between financial and monetary policies, supported by an effective governance system and anti-corruption measures, in addition to a comprehensive restructuring of the financial and banking sector, which will enhance its ability to restore balance and attract investments. He stressed that achieving this integration is a prerequisite for moving towards a new phase and attracting local and international investors to contribute to the economic recovery process. In a related context, he pointed out that institutions that experienced isolation and mismanagement suffered from weaknesses in these aspects, affirming that the Syrian government places strengthening governance and transparency at the heart of reform programs through improving disclosure levels and developing institutional frameworks. Barnieh said that work is underway to establish a specialized academy for financial skills, along with plans to transform the accounting and auditing board into a governance, auditing, and financial professions council, to play a pivotal role in establishing a culture of integrity and promoting governance principles within financial institutions. The minister explained that work is underway to conduct a comprehensive assessment of gaps in the financial structure, especially in public banks, which constitute the largest part of the banking sector, and to prepare a medium-term financial framework that links the macroeconomic situation and the state’s public finances. He said that this framework aims to achieve a balanced general budget that combines ambition and fiscal discipline, focusing on stimulating economic growth while maintaining a limited and manageable deficit, and securing sustainable funding sources for the public treasury based on principles that achieve tangible economic returns and contribute to improving the standard of living of citizens. He affirmed the existence of continuous communication with international financial institutions to benefit from technical expertise and capacity building, while welcoming greater contributions from donors and development partners to support reform programs, highlighting the efforts made by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to mobilize international support in this regard. Barnieh also explained that cooperation with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) takes place on a near-weekly basis and includes multiple files related to public finance, economic policies, and statistics, praising the support provided by these institutions in terms of knowledge transfer, enhancing international credibility, and accelerating reforms. He pointed out that the involvement of international institutions such as the International Finance Corp (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) represents a positive message that enhances investor confidence and contributes to attracting more investments to Syria, reiterating thanks to the brotherly and friendly countries, foremost among them the State of Qatar, for their support for Syria’s return to the international economic and financial system. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held talks Wednesday with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, focusing on regional and international developments. The talks, held at the Amiri Diwan, started with HH the Amir welcoming the president and his accompanying delegation, expressing hope that the visit would strengthen co-operation and expand ties between the two countries across various sectors. **media[437928]**Al-Sharaa thanked HH the Amir for the warm reception and hospitality, reaffirming Syria's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in a way that serves the shared interests of both nations and their peoples. The Syrian president also expressed solidarity with following Iranian attacks targeting the country and other states in the region, voicing support for measures taken by Doha to safeguard its sovereignty, security and citizens. **media[437929]**HH the Amir expressed appreciation for Syria's stance, commending the continued co-operation between the two sides. Both leaders underscored their commitment to supporting regional security and stability, while discussing bilateral relations and ways to further develop them.  The meeting was attended by His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, and His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi as well as a number of Their Excellencies senior officials. Also, in attendance were Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani, along with a number of Their Excellencies senior officials. **media[437930]**HH the Amir and the Syrian president held a separate bilateral session to exchange views on key issues of mutual interest, followed by an official luncheon hosted in honor of the visiting delegation.  President Al-Sharaa departed Doha Wednesday following a working visit to the country. He and the accompanying delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi and Charge d'Affaires at the Syrian embassy in Qatar Bilal Tourkia. Earlier the president and his delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousef Fakhro and the Syrian charge d'affaires.

The Israeli occupation forces renewed their incursion into Syrian territory on Sunday, detaining six people.The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said that the Israeli forces detained these young men from the Daraa governorate as they were searching for wild mushrooms in farmlands near the town of Qudna, in the southern Quneitra countryside.SANA added that the occupation forces transferred the detainees to the Tal Al Ahmar Al Gharbi military base, with no information available regarding their fate or the reason behind their detention.The Israeli forces, driving four military vehicles, also carried out an incursion into Saida Al Hanout village in southern Quneitra countryside, where it detained a local young man.

The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) held a meeting with a delegation from Syria as a follow-up to QBA’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was in Qatar for the recently concluded Doha Forum 2025.The delegation was headed by Dr Hazem al-Sharaa, vice-president of the Syrian Supreme Council for Economic Development. He was accompanied by Talal al-Hilali, director general of Syria’s Investment Authority, and Safwat Raslan, director general of the Syrian Development Fund.Sunday’s meeting comes as a continuation of QBA’s meeting last week with President al-Sharaa, aimed at discussing potential investment opportunities in Syria, even as a number of QBA members have already launched concrete economic projects there in the fields of energy, electricity, and real estate.The Syrian delegation was received by QBA chairman His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, in the presence of board member Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani, and QBA members Sheikh Mansour bin Jassim al-Thani, Khaled al-Mannai, Mohammed Moataz al-Khayyat, Ramez al-Khayyat, Nabil Abu Issa, Faisal al-Mana, Yousuf al-Mahmoud, and Ihsan al-Khaimi, as well as representatives of Abdulrahman Al Mana Companies, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani, Mekdam Holding Group, and other member companies, in addition to QBA general manager Sarah Abdallah.At the beginning of the meeting, Dr Hazem al-Sharaa stated that Qatar was among the first countries to invest in Syria, following the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Qatari Government, to place Syria on the international investment map by strengthening international relations and attracting major companies to participate in the reconstruction of Syria.Al-Sharaa noted that the Supreme Council for Economic Development aims to achieve economic stability in the country, revitalise and develop the economy, and establish a comprehensive economic map covering the entire Syrian geography.He said this will be achieved through full supervision of several economic authorities, organisations, and institutions operating within the framework of the state’s economic plan. He also confirmed that Syria will launch a completely new currency in the market at the beginning of the new year, in line with the requirements of the current phase.The council, chaired by the President of the Republic, is responsible for approving general strategies and plans related to investment. Its membership includes the ministers of economy and industry, energy, finance, tourism, communications and information technology, public works and housing, and agriculture, in addition to the head of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, among others. Several economic entities are affiliated with the council, most notably the Syrian Investment Authority, the Sovereign Fund, and the Development Fund.During the meeting, al-Sharaa focused on current economic projects in Syria that contribute to reconstruction and the development of infrastructure and vital sectors, with particular emphasis on energy, transport, tourism, real estate, health, education, and key industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals and construction materials.He also praised the significant investments by Qatari and Saudi companies in the development of power generation stations, as well as the signing of memoranda of understanding to modernise the electricity sector in general. This is in addition to the development of Damascus International Airport and the Damascus Metro project, in cooperation with Qatari and Turkish companies.For his part, al-Hilali spoke about the development of the legislative framework to attract and guarantee direct investments through the adoption of the best international laws, allowing foreign investors to own 100% of their projects.He explained that, in this new phase, the state has adopted measures to fully exempt investors from taxes in the health sector and agricultural projects related to food security, in addition to full tax exemptions for factories that export more than 50% of their production.Meanwhile, Sheikh Faisal stated that Syria represents an investment bank of projects and golden opportunities for investors. He stressed the need to develop joint Qatari–Syrian projects through the establishment of institutions specialised across various sectors, such as industrial, health, tourism, and real estate, among others, given that the state’s objective is to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. He emphasised that the private sector in both countries can play a prominent role in this direction.Qatari businessmen affirmed that Syria is currently witnessing a major economic transformation across various sectors, noting that most of them have already begun working on productive projects in Syria. They also announced that a delegation of Qatari businessmen will visit Syria at the invitation of the Supreme Council for Development, following an official invitation from President al-Sharaa to Damascus to explore investment opportunities. 

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani met on Saturday with Minister of Economy and Industry of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mohammed Nidal al-Shaar on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum 2025, reports QNA. During the meeting, they reviewed co-operation relations between the two countries in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields, and ways to strengthen and develop them, in addition to discussing a number of topics of common interest.The two sides also discussed enhancing joint co-operation in the coming period, in a way that contributes to supporting and developing areas of co-operation between the two countries. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met at the Sheraton Doha Hotel Saturday with several heads of state and government from brotherly and friendly nations participating in the Doha Forum 2025.His Highness met separately with President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Sharaa; President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; and President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.His Highness the Amir also met with President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama and Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, Dr Nawaf Salam.Discussions during the meetings, focused on ways to develop cooperation between Qatar and their respective countries in various fields. The meetings also discussed a host of regional and international issues of common interest, in addition to key topics on the Forum's agenda.The meetings were attended by His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan, Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi; His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi and a lineup of senior officials.Also present were several members of the official delegations accompanying the heads of state and government. 

HE the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem met Sunday with the visiting Syrian Minister of Endowments Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri and his accompanying delegation from the Supreme Fatwa Council.The two sides discussed co-operation relations in the fields of endowments and Islamic affairs, and ways to enhance and develop them. They also exchanged views on topics of common interest.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with a consortium led by Qatar's UCC Holding, valued at over USD 4 billion, is intended to revamp Damascus International Airport based on state-of-the-art global standards, Chairman of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Omar Al Hussari has said.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hussari added that the MoU includes revamping the airport, increasing its capacity, modernising the infrastructure and ground services, in addition to deploying sophisticated operation systems.The project will constitute a paradigm shift in the Syrian airports systems and bolster the capacity of the civil aviation sector to keep up with the requirements of the upcoming phase, Al Hussari highlighted.Al Hussari stressed that the memorandum is a concrete step in strengthening the Syria-Qatar relationship, standing as a model of Arab cooperation in major strategic ventures. He affirmed that the next phase would shift from signing the memorandum to outlining a clear implementation plan, thereby ensuring that this partnership is converted into tangible projects that directly benefit travelers and the national economy.In connection with the projects undertaken by GACA, technical and economic studies are underway to convert Mezzeh Air Base into a civilian airport dedicated to private aviation and business travelers. The operational capacity of this base will be gauged not in terms of passenger numbers but by the volume of private flights and the quality of specialized services, thereby positioning it as a complementary facility to Damascus International Airport, he underlined.He further underscored that there is a strategic plan to expand the SyrianAir fleet through the modernization of existing aircraft and the acquisition of new planes, while GACA has opened the door for Arab and international carriers to operate within Syrian airspace and at its airports.Damascus International Airport currently serves 15 airlines, whereas Aleppo International Airport accommodates seven carriers. The measures broadly enhance competitiveness and elevate the level of services offered to travelers. These initiatives unfold amid a period of Arab and international engagement with Syria and the restoration of a huge portion of air traffic, contributing to reinstating the country to its natural position on the regional and global aviation map, Al Hussari underlined.As for the western sanctions, he evinced that the restrictions are still partial and hamper modernization processes, as well as securing spare parts and cutting-edge technologies.However, he said GACA has been successful in overcoming these impediments through forging cooperation with regional and global partners to secure practical alternatives in relation to maintenance, equipment, and technologies, noting that these partnerships helped proceed with the operation of aircraft and airports based on international safety standards.Al Hussari welcomed the recent decision taken by the US Department of Commerce to streamline the access of technology and spare parts to Syria, including civil aviation parts.The strategy of the upcoming period is based on making the civil aviation sector an economic driver and a major conduit, reinstating the nation to its position as a regional and global connection hub. This strategy includes modernization to have capacious airports, augmenting the national fleet, advancing air cargo services, and investing in training and qualifying manpower to ensure sustained development and keep abreast of the latest international standards, Al Hussari pointed out.Al Hussari further indicated that the projects and agreements underway represent practical steps toward advancing the Syrian civil aviation sector and reintegrating the country into the regional and global air transportation system.He affirmed that the coming period ought to witness a follow-up on the execution of these projects to ensure the achievement of GACA's objectives and the constant upgradation of this critical sector.

In line with Qatar’s commitment to supporting the brotherly Syrian people, a delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) conducted a field visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. The visit aimed to assess Syria’s current developmental and humanitarian needs and to identify avenues for collaboration with local and international partners to strengthen support for the country’s key sectors and advance sustainable development. In a statement, QFFD said the three-day visit included technical meetings with several international organizations and UN agencies. Discussions focused on the current priorities and the most pressing needs, with an emphasis on impactful and sustainable projects in essential sectors such as health, water, food security, and community rehabilitation. The delegation held meetings with representatives from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), focusing on ways to advance urban recovery and essential services in affected areas, while reviewing progress on ongoing joint initiatives. The delegation also met with the World Food Programme (WFP), including a field visit to Eastern Ghouta to take a look at several on-the-ground projects. These included the Adra wastewater treatment plant, the Rihan water lifting station, and the irrigation canal, in addition to a small and medium enterprise initiative. The visit offered an opportunity to engage with local farmers and entrepreneurs, and to witness first-hand the positive impact of community recovery programs. Further meetings were held with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to discuss potential areas of co-operation, and the Syrian Ministry of Health. Discussions with the Ministry covered health sector priorities, including support for medical centers, access to medicines, and coordination mechanisms to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of joint efforts. This field visit underscores QFFD’s dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing humanitarian assistance, and reinforcing the resilience and well-being of Syrian communities. Through impactful partnerships and collaboration, QFFD continues to implement targeted initiatives that deliver meaningful and sustainable support to address the country’s most pressing needs.