Kyiv and Damascus Restore Diplomatic Relations: Embassies to Reopen
On April 5, 2024, following a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Assad Hasan al-Shaybani, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced the reopening of embassies in Kyiv and Damascus, marking a significant step in strengthening partnerships between the two nations.
On April 5, 2024, after a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan al-Shaybani, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced the resumption of operations at the embassies of Ukraine and Syria in Kyiv and Damascus. According to Sybiha, this move is crucial for reinforcing the partnership between the two countries.
“Finally, we have agreed to reopen the embassies in Kyiv and Damascus soon — an important step in strengthening our partnership,” the minister wrote on social media platform X, emphasizing the significance of this decision for bilateral relations.
During his meeting with al-Shaybani, Sybiha also discussed the development of trade and maritime routes, as well as food security. He noted that Ukraine is prepared to contribute to stability in the Middle East, particularly through initiatives such as “Grain from Ukraine.”
“Bilateral trade has already increased ninefold since the signing of the Joint Communiqué on the restoration of diplomatic relations, and we see clear opportunities for further expansion,” the Ukrainian minister highlighted, pointing to the positive dynamics in cooperation between the countries.
Furthermore, Sybiha indicated that he discussed humanitarian and educational cooperation with his Syrian counterpart, as many Syrian citizens come to Ukraine for education. This reflects the aspirations of both countries to develop cultural and educational ties.
This day also marked a significant occasion for Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky made his first visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. During his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Zelensky addressed important issues of security and defense, as well as energy and infrastructure cooperation between the nations.
In addition, Zelensky emphasized the importance of discussing food security and the negotiation process regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. These topics remain relevant in the context of regional stability and international support for Ukraine.
It is worth noting that due to the crimes committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime against the Syrian people, Ukraine closed its embassy in Damascus in 2016, and in 2018, ordered the closure of the Syrian embassy in Kyiv. The interests of Ukrainians in Syria were managed by the Ukrainian embassy in Lebanon.
In June 2022, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Syria following the country's decision to recognize the “independence” of temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In response, Syria decided to break diplomatic relations with Ukraine in July of the same year.
A significant step towards restoring cooperation was the signing of the Joint Communiqué on the restoration of diplomatic relations in September 2025, made possible after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024. This indicates a gradual restoration of trust and cooperation between Ukraine and Syria.
Overall, the restoration of diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Damascus is an important step in the development of international relations, opening new opportunities for cooperation in various fields.