In a significant statement on Sunday, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani renewed his government’s call for the United States to lift sanctions imposed on Syria. The appeal was made during an interview with reporters as part of his official visit to Qatar, where he engaged in discussions with senior Qatari officials.

The visit, which is part of a broader regional tour, is aimed at securing diplomatic support for Syria’s efforts to rebuild the country after years of devastating conflict. The Syrian delegation, led by al-Shibani, is expected to continue its tour by visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan in the coming days, underscoring Syria’s push to strengthen ties with neighboring states.

The call for sanctions relief comes at a critical time, as Syria grapples with severe economic hardships and the aftermath of a prolonged civil war that has left much of the country in ruins. The United States, along with several Western nations, has maintained sanctions on Syria in response to the Assad government’s actions during the conflict, including allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes.

During his visit, al-Shibani emphasized that lifting the sanctions would help facilitate Syria’s recovery, noting that the economic restrictions have hindered the country’s ability to access vital resources and support for reconstruction. The Syrian foreign minister’s comments reflect ongoing efforts to seek international backing and normalize relations with Arab nations, which have been hesitant to engage with Syria following the outbreak of the civil war in 2011.

The diplomatic tour signals a shift in the regional landscape, as Syria seeks to reassert its influence and rebuild alliances within the Arab world, after years of isolation.

Al Jazeera.