Bahrain names its first ambassador to Syria in over a decade

Agencies | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain appointed today its first ambassador to Syria in more than a decade, the latest sign of a stepped-up outreach to Damascus by Gulf Arab countries.

The decree by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa came as more Arab countries are improving relations with Damascus nearly 11 years since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands.

Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League in 2011. Arab countries sanctioned Damascus and condemned its use of military force against civilians.

HM King Hamad appointed Waheed Mubarak Sayyar as the kingdom’s “ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Syria”. The Embassy of Bahrain was reopened in Damascus in 2018.

The foreign minister of the UAE visited Damascus last month and met with Assad, sending the clearest signal yet that the Arab world is willing to re-engage with Syria’s strongman.

Most Gulf countries seek warmer ties with Damascus, hoping to peel it away from Tehran’s influence. Iran is a traditional ally of Syria and has sent advisers and resources to back Assad during the conflict that broke out in March 2011.