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Morocco and Syria in May announced they would reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies in Damascus and Rabat — a symbolic but powerful signal of Syria’s reintegration into the Arab world. The move, which comes ahead of a potential visit to Morocco by Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, represents a key step forward in Arab unity after years of fragmentation.

Damascus’ isolation started with the outbreak of civil war in 2011 and was further deepened by Syria’s alignment with Tehran. These developments left the country diplomatically estranged from much of the Arab world. The Assad regime’s actions resulted in Syria’s exclusion from the Arab League, making it a regional outlier for years. That started to change with Syria’s readmission to the Arab League in 2023, an important, albeit largely symbolic, first step. The real shift came with the fall of Bashar Assad, which paved the way for a new era under Al-Sharaa’s leadership.

Since taking power, Al-Sharaa has adopted a clear diplomatic strategy to restore Syria’s standing in the Arab region. This direction is not new for Syria, a country long regarded as a key champion of pan-Arabism. Arab nationalism and pan-Arabist ideology were born in Syria during the late Ottoman Empire, with influential figures such as Rashid Rida and Michel Aflaq, among many others, playing a foundational role in promoting Arab unity and independence from both Ottoman and European colonial power.

Today, that legacy continues under Al-Sharaa’s leadership. He has embraced a nationalist narrative built on unity and trust. “Syria will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country,” he declared, calling on regional partners to help rebuild the country “as part of the Arab world.”

Al-Sharaa’s first priority was clear: reestablish Syria’s legitimacy on the Arab stage. In February, he made his first official foreign visit to Riyadh, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agenda included the lifting of economic sanctions, the return of refugees and counterterrorism coordination. This was a strategic move, as ��������’s engagement signaled to the other Gulf states that Syria was serious about distancing itself from past alliances and forging a new, Arab-centric direction.

Since taking power, Al-Sharaa has adopted a clear diplomatic strategy to restore Syria’s standing in the Arab region. 

Zaid M. Belbagi

Al-Sharaa’s diplomacy extended quickly to Qatar and the UAE, where talks centered on reconstruction and long-term regional cooperation. The following month, Syria presented its reform agenda. In Jordan, agreements and talks focused on enhancing border security and joint efforts to combat the illicit captagon trade, which is a growing concern for both Amman and Riyadh. Syria also regained membership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Kuwait announced the imminent reopening of its embassy in Damascus.

Beyond high-level visits and embassies reopening, deeper forms of collaboration are also emerging, particularly in reconstruction and infrastructure. In May, Syria and Jordan agreed to form a Higher Coordination Council, marking a significant new phase in their bilateral relations. The deal includes plans to review the 1987 Yarmouk River agreement, reinvigorate joint water committees and explore regional energy integration.

Jordan and Syria are also reviving electricity grid links and Qatar has confirmed the supply of 2 million cubic meters of natural gas per day through Jordan, boosting Syrian power generation by 400 megawatts with the aim of doubling its electricity supply. Added to this is the deal of the year for Damascus: a $7 billion agreement with a consortium of companies from the US, Qatar and Turkiye that aims to overhaul Syria’s shattered energy and electricity sector.

Renewed cooperation and deepening engagement with countries across the region is producing tangible outcomes for Syria. 

Zaid M. Belbagi

The economic impact is already visible. In the first quarter of 2025, 88 contracts were signed for the Syrian-Jordanian free zone at Jaber-Nasib, with more than 800 investors awaiting approval. Daily truck traffic at the border has tripled and Syria’s exports to Jordan hit $23.7 million in February alone, a notable increase from just $5.4 million the year before.

The growing number of diplomatic visits and expanding trade relations between Syria and countries in the region reflect a broader consensus among Arab states: the time has come to reengage Syria. Al-Sharaa’s openness to strengthening ties with the Gulf states, particularly in terms of trade and energy, signals a shift toward deeper integration between the Levant and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as more broadly across the Middle East.

What began as cautious diplomatic overtures are now materializing into concrete outcomes, paving the way for a better future for Syria. The lifting of American and European sanctions has already enabled the financing of new projects, which are vital to enable the success of the country’s reconstruction plan. Besides, with the active support of key Arab states, international organizations are returning to Syria. �������� and Qatar have stepped in to repay Syria’s $15.5 million debt to the World Bank and to help cover part of the salaries of Syrian civil servants.

This renewed cooperation and deepening engagement with countries across the region is producing tangible outcomes for Syria. Al-Sharaa’s government is not only reopening embassies and conducting diplomatic visits, but also actively reopening Syria to the region, driven by shared interests in stability, trade and reconstruction.

As such, Syria’s reintegration stands as a clear indicator of a deepening Arab rapprochement, one that is expected to result in more concrete returns, shaping promising geopolitical alignments and reinforcing ties among Arab states.

• Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council. X: @Moulay_Zaid