Qatar–Syria relations

The relationship between Qatar and Syria has changed significantly over the past few years, largely as a result of the civil war in Syria.

Qatar-Syria relations

Qatar	Syria

Before the beginning of the Syrian conflict, Qatar and Syria had a fairly positive relationship and maintained diplomatic connections.[1] The two countries had regular visits from top officials and their trade and investment relations were strengthening. Qatar has made investments in multiple areas in Syria, such as the real estate and tourism sectors.

In 2011, as the Syrian civil war began, Qatar, like other local actors, joined in backing opposition factions aiming to overthrow the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Qatar primarily aimed to weaken Iran's influence in the region and advance its own interests by offering support to the Syrian opposition. Qatar offered financial and military support to different rebel factions, comprising both secular and Islamist organizations. According to reports, it allegedly provided weaponry, munitions, and financial support to opposition groups, such as the Free Syrian Army and Army of Conquest.[2] Moreover, Qatar had a noteworthy involvement in aiding and instructing opposition fighters by providing assistance to different groups of rebels.

In 2023, the Syrian government returned to the Arab League. Despite Qatar's refusal and the statement of its foreign minister that the reasons for suspending Syria's membership still exist,[3] Doha did not object to the return of Damascus.[4]

In April 2023, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in cooperation with the Turkish Presidency of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD), announced plans to build a city in northern Syria, which would house 70,000 displaced Syrians, following the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake.[5][6] In June 2023, Qatar pledged to donate $75 million for humanitarian needs to Syria.[7]