Qatari delegation discusses health care needs in Syria’s capital

ISTANBUL

A Qatari delegation visited the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday to discuss the health care needs in the war-torn country, marking continued cooperation between the two nations after the end of the Assad regime’s rule.

Acting Minister for Health Maher Al-Sharaa met with representatives from the Qatar Red Crescent and Qatar’s charge d'affaires to Syria, Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif, Syria's Ministry of Health said in a statement.

“The meeting focused on the current state of the health care sector and essential needs to support Syria's medical infrastructure,” the statement added.

Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party's decades-long regime.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

A new administration led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa has now taken charge.

Qatar was among the first countries to pledge its support to the new administration in Damascus.

Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi visited Damascus on Dec. 23 to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and Syria's future with Al-Sharaa.

Two days before Al-Khulaifi’s visit, Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus, raising its flag for the first time since its closure in July 2011.

The embassy had been shuttered following an attack by Assad loyalists in response to Al Jazeera’s coverage of the Syrian revolution, which began in March 2011.

In its ongoing support for the Syrian people, Qatar has continued to send emergency relief aid to Damascus since the regime's collapse.

Last Sunday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani visited the Gulf country, marking his second international trip since assuming his post, following a visit to Saudi Arabia.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio