Syria Eyes Economic Growth, Seeks International Support Amidst Transition
Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, has expressed his country’s ambition to emulate economic powerhouses like Singapore and Saudi Arabia as it embarks on a path of rebuilding following nearly 14 years of civil war, Al Jazeera reports.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos on Wednesday, al-Shaibani emphasized the need for international cooperation in this “new experiment.”
“We need the help of the international community to help us in this new experiment,” al-Shaibani said, highlighting that the Syrian transition government is already focusing on establishing energy partnerships with several Gulf nations.
He also pledged that the country’s new constitution would represent all of Syria’s diverse communities, while reiterating calls for the easing of international sanctions that continue to devastate the Syrian economy.
During a televised discussion with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, al-Shaibani identified economic sanctions as a major obstacle to stability.
Since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, some Western nations have cautiously moved to restore ties with Damascus. However, they remain wary of the new leadership, primarily comprised of the former rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Al-Shaibani announced that a committee of experts will be formed to draft a new constitution – a process that could take up to four years. The committee, he explained, would include representatives from all “the different groups of Syria,” including women.
In a recent effort to build relationships in the region, al-Shaibani visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar earlier this month to discuss strengthening ties and trade. Qatar, during a recent visit by its prime minister to Damascus, pledged to initially supply Syria with 200 megawatts of electricity, with plans to gradually increase the amount.
