Kyiv: Ukraine and Syria have agreed to reopen their embassies in each other's capitals in the near future, as announced by the Ukrainian foreign minister on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister, held discussions in Damascus with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. The talks focused on security, logistics, trade, and food security. Sybiha highlighted that trade between the two nations has increased ninefold since the signing of a joint communique in September 2025 to restore diplomatic relations, and he expressed Kyiv's interest in further expanding this economic partnership.

Both ministers expressed a commitment to working together to establish lasting peace for the Ukrainian and Syrian peoples. Sybiha emphasized the interconnectedness of security in Europe and the Middle East, sharing his thoughts on the US social media platform X. The discussion also covered logistics, with a focus on developing trade and maritime routes that hold strong potential for deepening economic cooperation.

Food security was identified as a crucial area of collaboration. Ukraine is prepared to contribute to regional stability through initiatives like "Grain from Ukraine," aimed at supporting the region's food security. Sybiha also mentioned the importance of humanitarian and educational cooperation, noting the significant number of Syrian students who have studied in Ukraine, which he sees as a foundation to build upon.

In a separate meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Damascus and met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The leaders agreed to work together to enhance security and create development opportunities for their societies. Zelenskyy discussed regional issues, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Ukraine's role as a reliable food supplier, seeking joint opportunities to bolster regional food security.

Reflecting on the energy and infrastructure challenges faced by Syria, Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's readiness to collaborate in expanding opportunities for both countries. Ukraine had previously severed diplomatic relations with Syria in 2022 when Syria recognized the Russian breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad.