Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (2) that he is preparing to reestablish diplomatic ties with Syria, less than a month after the ousting of the Russian-backed government of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.
The Ukrainian leader spoke about the topic after a visit by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to Syria. Vitaliy Koval, who heads the agriculture ministry, also went to the country and previously stated that Ukraine had already sent a shipment of food assistance.
“We are preparing to resume diplomatic relations with Syria and cooperation in international organizations,” Zelensky announced.
Ukraine cut diplomatic ties with Syria in June 2022, after the then-government in Damascus said it recognized the “independence” of Russian-occupied territories in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Since rebels ousted Syria’s president last month, Ukraine has been moving to build ties with its new Islamist rulers.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, was a strong ally of Assad and gave him political asylum.
Capital of Ukraine, Kiev also plans to increase trade with Lebanon and at least double agricultural exports, currently worth 400 million dollars, Zelensky added.
Earlier, the official stated that Ukraine would send 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria under the “Grain from Ukraine” grain deal, an initiative by Kiev in cooperation with the UN World Food Programme.
The delivery would provide resources to around 167,000 Syrians for a month, Minister Koval said in an interview.
He added that the shipment would not be the last and Syria was also interested in deliveries of oil, sugar and meat.
“Today, at the level of government dialogue, we clearly understand that support must be sustainable and not occur in a single way, but rather lasting and predictable”, said Koval.
Moscow, the Russian capital, also stated that it is in contact with the new administration in Damascus, including regarding the fate of Russian military installations in Syria.
This content was originally published in Ukraine prepares to resume diplomatic ties with Syria, says Zelensky on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
