Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Damascus on Saturday for a high-level diplomatic meeting.
The Syrian presidency did not disclose details of their discussions, but the meeting included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and signaled Syria’s renewed engagement on the international stage.
Attaf arrived in Damascus as a special envoy of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking the first visit by an Algerian official since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the visit aimed to deepen bilateral ties and reaffirm Algeria’s support for Syria during a pivotal moment in its history.
“This visit reflects Algeria’s unwavering commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and stability in a post-Assad era,” the ministry stated in an official release.
Since Assad’s ouster in December, Syria has intensified diplomatic outreach to regional and global leaders, shaping a new course for its foreign policy.
Despite Assad’s departure, Algeria maintained its embassy in Damascus, adhering to its long-standing principle of recognizing states rather than governments.
After nearly 25 years in power, Assad fled to Russia on Dec. 8, bringing an end to the Baath Party’s six-decade dominance over Syria’s political landscape.
With new leadership in place, Syria is positioning itself for a fresh diplomatic chapter, and Attaf’s visit underscores Algeria’s role in shaping its regional reintegration.