Damascus: China will reopen its embassy in the Syrian capital at the beginning of 2026 and provide humanitarian assistance to the people in the country, a senior Syrian Foreign Ministry official told Anadolu. A Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani paid an official visit to Beijing on Nov. 17 to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ashhad Salibi, deputy director of the Russia and Eastern Europe Department at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the delegation's recent visit to China marked 'the beginning of a new phase' in Damascus' foreign policy. Salibi emphasized that the talks in China indicate a significant period ahead, particularly in revitalizing trade and reactivating diplomatic missions.

Salibi noted that, like Russia, Beijing is taking concrete steps to restore relations. He recalled that when the Baath regime collapsed on Dec. 8, China closed its doors and moved its embassy to Lebanon. Since then, relations have not returned to their previous level.

With administrative and logistical preparations underway, the mission is expected to be ready at the beginning of next year. Salibi highlighted that Syrian businesspeople and students have faced difficulties obtaining Chinese visas, prompting Damascus to urge Beijing to expedite the reopening process.

He further noted that Syria aims to pursue a balanced and effective diplomacy, building strong, solid, and strategic relations with all countries. This balanced diplomacy is viewed as necessary for economic recovery and security stability. Salibi added that the visit has revitalized Syria's relations with the East within this context.