In a significant geopolitical shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to rekindle diplomatic relations with Syria, following the recent overthrow of the Russian-backed government in Damascus.
This development comes on the heels of a Syrian visit by Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, and Agriculture Minister Vitaliy Koval.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Zelensky's announcement follows Ukraine's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Syria in June 2022. This move was in response to the Damascus government's recognition of the "independence" of Russia-occupied territories in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions. However, the recent overthrow of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad by rebels has prompted Ukraine to foster relations with Syria's new Islamist rulers.
Zelensky stated, "We are preparing to resume diplomatic relations with Syria and cooperation in international organizations." This statement underscores Ukraine's commitment to strengthening its international alliances, particularly in the face of Russian aggression.
In addition to rebuilding diplomatic ties, Ukraine is also looking to bolster its trade relations with Lebanon and aims to double its agricultural exports from $400 million. This economic strategy aligns with conservative principles of free-market economics and individual freedom.
In a humanitarian gesture, Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would dispatch 500 metric tons of wheat flour to Syria under Kyiv's "Grain from Ukraine" initiative, in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme. Agriculture Minister Koval, in a televised interview, revealed that this delivery would sustain approximately 167,000 Syrians for a month. He further emphasized that this shipment would not be the last, indicating Syria's interest in oil, sugar, and meat deliveries.
Koval stated, "Today, at the level of government dialog, we clearly understand that support should be sustainable and not a one-off, but rather long-lasting and predictable." This sentiment reflects Ukraine's commitment to a sustained relationship with Syria, a move that could potentially alter the geopolitical landscape.
Meanwhile, Moscow has also reportedly been in contact with the new administration in Damascus, including discussions over the fate of Russian military facilities in Syria.
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