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Saudi and French officials meet as their countries launch a tripartite business council with Syria. (AFP)
Saudi and French officials meet as their countries launch a tripartite business council with Syria. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and France establish joint business council to support Syria’s long-term recovery

27 August 2026.  Saudi Arabia and France announced a Saudi-Syrian-French Business Council to provide an institutional framework for partnership that links companies and governments. The initiative builds on Saudi and French investments in Syria, connecting Saudi capital with French expertise and Syrian projects.Read more at: LEVANT 24

President al-Sharaa addresses attendees at the 63rd edition of Damascus International Fair. (SANA)
President al-Sharaa addresses attendees at the 63rd edition of Damascus International Fair. (SANA)

“We see the sun of Syria rising once more,” President declared at opening of Damascus International Fair

26 August 2026.  Inaugurating the 63rd Damascus International Fair, President al-Sharaa spoke to this year’s significance: “We see the sun of Syria rising once more, to become a beacon of its economy, a bridge between markets, a corridor for trade, and a center where the interests of East and West intersect.” The participation of Germany was honored.Read more at: SANA

Participants at the launch of South Korea’s second phase humanitarian assistance program at Damascus hotel. (SANA)
Participants at the launch of South Korea’s second phase humanitarian assistance program at Damascus hotel. (SANA)

South Korea launches second phase of humanitarian aid, helping Syrian people rebuild their lives

24 August 2026.  Adding to a $38m package of humanitarian assistance a year ago, South Korea announced a second grant of $18.95m to be implemented with several UN agencies.  The ambassador said the new grant reflects his country’s firm commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery.Read more at: SANA

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (L) speaks at a joint press conference with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi (R) in Damascus, August 18, 2026. (SANA)
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (L) speaks at a joint press conferencee with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi (R) in Damascus, August 18, 2026. (SANA)

Syria’s cooperation with IAEA reached an advanced stage, Foreign Minister declared

18 August 2026.  Syria and the IAEA announced they have entered a new phase of relations, marked by Syria’s transparency and focus on peaceful nuclear activities. Minister al-Shaibani, addressing the legacy of the ousted regime, said Syria looks forward to international cooperation in this sphere.Read more at: SANA

German airline Sundair (L), which launched a direct Berlin-Damascus route on August 15, and Syrian Air. (EAT Facebook:SANA)
German airline Sundair (L), which launched a direct Berlin-Damascus route on August 15, and Syrian Air. (EAT Facebook:SANA)

Direct flights between Berlin and Damascus resume after 14 years

14 August 2026.  The private German airline Sundair makes its first flight from Berlin to Damascus on August 15th, restoring an air link broken by Syria’s civil war. Part of the Syrian aviation authority’s efforts to reconnect Syrian and European airports, the direct route has special importance for Syrians living in Germany.Read more at: SANA

Travelers at the Nasib border crossing between Syria and Jordan. (Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs)
Travelers at the Nasib border crossing between Syria and Jordan. (Syrian General Authority for Borders and Customs)

More than 7 million travellers crossed Syria’s land borders in first six months of 2026

10 August 2026.  Millions of travelers, mainly from Lebanon, Jordan and Türkiye, used Syria’s land border crossings in the first half of 2026, along with 391,000 voluntary refugee returns. Ongoing rehabilitation of border facilities expands capacity and strengthens connections with neighbouring countries.Read more at: SANA

(L) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, October 15, 2025 (TASS), (R) new Russian Ambassador to Syria, Dmitry Dogadkin (RUWIKI)
(L) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, October 15, 2025 (TASS), (R) new Russian Ambassador to Syria, Dmitry Dogadkin (RUWIKI)

Russia sends new ambassador to Syria signaling shift in diplomatic relations

5 August 2026.  Dr. Amer Fakhoury, expert in international law and relations, sees Russia’s new ambassador to Syria as a needed shift in strategy, given Syria’s expanding network of regional and international relations. In place of military force, Russia will have to rely on diplomacy, negotiations and economic engagement.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

The ancient limestone Statue of Iku-Shamagan, King of Mari, dating back to approximately 2500 BCE during the Early Dynastic period, on display at Damascus Citadel. (SANA)
The ancient limestone Statue of Iku-Shamagan, King of Mari, dating back to approximately 2500 BCE during the Early Dynastic period, on display at Damascus Citadel. (SANA)

23 Syrian artifacts returned from France displayed at Damascus Citadel

10 August 2026.  The Damascus Citadel is hosting 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts recently returned from France as part of an exhibition held during the “Syria Summer for Families 2026” Festival. The exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to learn about Syrian heritage with pieces dating from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era and reflecting the diversity of Syrian civilization.Read more at: SANA

A rebuilding project of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, supported by international community. (Syria Recovery Trust Fund)
A rebuilding project of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, supported by international community. (Syria Recovery Trust Fund)

New projects funded by international donors boost Syria’s path toward recovery

29 July 2026.  The Syria Recovery Trust Fund approved two new projects: one will rebuild 250 homes and provide infrastructure for displaced families returning to their Idlib neighborhood, part of the “Syria Without Camps” initiative; the other will provide agricultural support to farmers in the Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

President al-Sharaa receiving Guterres at the People’s Palace (L), July 25 2026. UN Secretary-General Guterres meets with Foreign Minister al-Shaibani and other officials (R), (AP, AFP:Bakr Alkasem)
President al-Sharaa receiving Guterres at the People’s Palace (L), July 25 2026. UN Secretary-General Guterres meets with Foreign Minister al-Shaibani and other officials (R), (AP, AFP:Bakr Alkasem)

“The United Nations stands with Syria at a pivotal moment,” declares UN Secretary-General during historic visit

25 July 2026.  The visit of Antonio Guterres to Syria, the first visit by a UN secretary-general in 17 years, marks a significant step in UN-Syria relations. Lauding the nation’s determination to rebuild and underscoring the UN’s broad support, Guterres called upon the international community to aid Syria’s recovery.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Syria’s International Cooperation director, Qutaiba Kadish (L) and Turkish Ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yılmaz (R) sign agreement to establish cultural centers in Damascus. (SANA)
Syria’s International Cooperation director, Qutaiba Kadish (L) and Turkish Ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yılmaz (R) sign agreement to establish cultural centers in Damascus. (SANA)

Syria and Türkiye will establish mutual cultural centers, deepening ties

24 July 2026.  Syria and Türkiye signed an agreement to open cultural centers in each other’s country, to hold conferences, forums, festivals, exhibitions and cultural performances, establish libraries and resource centers, and sponsor exchanges of writers, scientists, researchers, academics and students.Read more at: SANA

A CMA CGM container at Latakia Port, which has handled more than 2 million tons of cargo and around 120,000 containers since January 2026. (Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs)
A CMA CGM container at Latakia Port, which has handled more than 2 million tons of cargo and around 120,000 containers since January 2026. (Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs)

French company announces largescale investment in Syria’s potential as regional transport hub

16 July 2026.  CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container shipping and logistics companies, announced an expanded role in Syria’s reconstruction, during French President Macron’s visit to Damascus. The company will aid the development of an integrated transport system, boosting economic development and helping restore Syria’s role in regional trade.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Syria’s Director of Climate Change and Environmental Awareness, Anas al-Rahmoun, at the 48th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group to the Montreal Protocol in Bangkok, 14 July 2026. (SANA)
Syria’s Director of Climate Change and Environmental Awareness, Anas al-Rahmoun, at the 48th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group to the Montreal Protocol in Bangkok, 14 July 2026. (SANA)

Syria advocates strengthening effectiveness of Montreal Protocol

14 July 2026.  Syria’s representative to the global conference on the Montreal Protocol, the global treaty universally ratified by UN members in 1987, called for measures to enhance its enforcement, including holding in-person meetings rather than virtual ones to strengthen consensus-building and cooperation.Read more at: SANA

2nd to 3rd-century CE Palmyrene limestone funerary relief slabs being unpacked at the National Museum of Damascus after repatriation from France. (AP)
2nd to 3rd-century CE Palmyrene limestone funerary relief slabs being unpacked at the National Museum of Damascus after repatriation from France. (AP)

From individual initiatives to diplomatic action, how Syria reclaims its antiquities

18 July 2026.  The file of recovering Syrian antiquities is witnessing growing momentum, with dozens of artifacts being repatriated from both inside and outside the country. This trajectory combines citizen-led initiatives, official institutional efforts, and diplomatic action in the post-liberation era, aiming to protect the national heritage and recover cultural properties that were lost or smuggled during the years of war. Read more at: SANA

Qatar’s Minister of State, Dr. Mohammed al-Khulaifi (L), and Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asaad al-Shaibani (R), Damascus, 11 July 2026. (SANA)
Qatar’s Minister of State, Dr. Mohammed al-Khulaifi (L), and Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asaad al-Shaibani (R), Damascus, 11 July 2026. (SANA)

Expanding partnership between Syria and Qatar set to improve regional security

11 July 2026.  Minister al-Shaibani described Syria’s relationship with Qatar as a partnership based on trust and mutual respect that will foster regional stability. They discussed ways to enhance collaboration across various sectors and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of diplomacy.Read more at: SANA

First International Islamic Forum titled “Islamic Civilization- The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment” in Tashkent, 10 July 2026. (SANA)
First International Islamic Forum titled “Islamic Civilization- The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment” in Tashkent, 10 July 2026. (SANA)

Syrian minister calls for promoting peace, tolerance and moderation at Islamic civilization conference

10 July 2026.  Syria’s Minister of Awqaf [Religious Endowments], Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri, urged deeper collaboration among Islamic religious and academic institutions along with renewed efforts to promote peace across the Islamic world.Read more at: SANA

Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron meeting in Damascus announce a new phase in Syria–France relations, July 7, 2026. (SANA)
Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron meeting in Damascus announce a new phase in Syria–France relations, July 7, 2026. (SANA)

Syria and France commit to long-term cooperation during French president’s historic visit to Damascus

7 July 2026.  Calling Emmanuel Macron’s visit a historic milestone, President al-Sharaa said that Syria and France are “laying the foundations for a partnership built on tangible projects that serve the interests of our two peoples.”  They restored ambassadorial ties and agreed on broad political, economic and security cooperation.Read more at: SANA

Rahmah [meaning compassion] Worldwide Foundation honours 180 orphaned children during a ceremony at the Damascus Opera House, July 5, 2026. (SANA)
Rahmah [meaning compassion] Worldwide Foundation honours 180 orphaned children during a ceremony at the Damascus Opera House, July 5, 2026. (SANA)

Damascus ceremony honors children orphaned by those who sacrificed for the revolution

6 July 2026.  Jointly sponsored by government and humanitarian agencies, the event highlighted the importance attached by Syria to supporting orphaned children. Ministry officials stated that caring for children of martyrs is a national humanitarian responsibility, and that investing in people is central to the new Syria.Read more at: SANA

Foreign Minister al-Shaibani announces Syrian–Lebanese Joint Higher Committee agreement marking a new phase of cooperation. (SANA)
Foreign Minister al-Shaibani announces Syrian–Lebanese Joint Higher Committee agreement marking a new phase of cooperation. (SANA)

Syria’s Foreign Minister announces new step in Syrian-Lebanese relations based on mutual respect, aimed at long-term cooperation

2 July 2026.  Minister al-Shaibani announced that Syria and Lebanon are entering a new phase of relations, through a Joint Higher Committee, aimed at long-term cooperation based on mutual interests. He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to regional stability, constructive dialogue and shared development.Read more at: SANA

Delegates attend launch of the Syria International Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing. (L24)
Delegates attend launch of the Syria International Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing. (L24)

China’s industrial expertise and technology will undergird Syria’s reconstruction

29 June 2026.  With the launch of the Syria Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing, Syria will draw on Chinese expertise and advanced technologies in reconstruction and economic development. The platform, initiated by the Syrian-Chinese Business Council, reflects growing cooperation between the two nations.Read more at: LEVANT 24

A Syrian delegation joins panel, “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis- Forging a Collective Response,” at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. (SANA)
A Syrian delegation joins panel, “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis- Forging a Collective Response,” at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. (SANA)

Syria participates in Hamburg Sustainability Conference, fostering global alliances

29 June 2026.  The Syrian delegation, led by Social Affairs and Labor Minister, Hind Kabawat, and Syria’s envoy to Germany, Mohammad Shukri, took part in discussions on the ramifications of the Hormuz crisis and development issues, along with high level representatives of 115 countries.Read more at: SANA

Participants in the Eighth Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments in Cairo. (SANA)
Participants in the Eighth Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments in Cairo. (SANA)

Arab Parliament unites in support of Syria against Israeli aggression

28 June 2026.  The Arab Parliament, consisting of 22 member states, reaffirmed its backing of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while condemning Israel’s repeated attacks on Syria and Lebanon. It reaffirmed its support for the inalienable rights of Palestinians and called for closer coordination among the member states.Read more at: SANA