Ukrainian International Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus on Dec. 30, marking the primary official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years. Through the journey, he held talks with Syria’s de-facto chief Ahmad Al-Sharaa.

The go to follows the collapse of the Russia-backed regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, amid a large-scale insurgent offensive.

"That is the primary go to of an official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in a few years. It demonstrates our readiness to open a brand new chapter in bilateral relations with Syria," Sybiha mentioned after the talks, in keeping with a International Ministry assertion.

He outlined plans for potential cooperation, together with joint ventures, the institution of commercial and meals manufacturing, expertise exchanges, and collaboration in cybersecurity and data safety. "We additionally hope to see a larger share of Syrian items in our imports," he added.

Throughout his go to, Sybiha additionally met with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Bashir and International Minister Asaad Hasan Al-Sheybani. Sybiha delivered a private message from President Volodymyr Zelensky, pledging Ukraine’s help for Syria’s stability and restoration.

Earlier on Dec. 27, Zelensky introduced that Ukraine had despatched 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as a part of its "Grain from Ukraine" initiative.

"This cargo will present meals for over 33,000 Syrian households—or 167,000 Syrians—for a month. It’s a free humanitarian support bundle, and it is just the primary batch. We’re ready to ship considerably extra," Sybiha mentioned.

"Ukraine stays a guarantor of meals safety, serving to others even in instances of warfare. This stands in stark distinction to Russia, which exports bombs, demise, and destruction to Syria, whereas Ukraine exports flour, life, and restoration."

The minister additionally highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to revive diplomatic ties, commerce, and academic exchanges with Syria, contingent on Syria’s respect for worldwide legislation, together with Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He additionally introduced that Ukraine is making ready to renew the training of Syrian college students.

In his handle, he additionally mirrored on the atrocities the Russian-backed regime dedicated in Syria.

"After we in Ukraine noticed the horrifying photographs from the Sednaya jail, we instantly recalled the torture chambers within the territories liberated from Russian occupation. Ukraine is able to share its expertise in accumulating proof, conducting investigations, and holding warfare criminals accountable for his or her actions," Sybiha mentioned.

"We firmly consider that, in the long run, eliminating Russia's presence in Syria will contribute to the soundness of Syria itself, in addition to all the Center East and Africa—even when it takes time."

Fall of Assad’s regime disrupts Russian army recruitment in SyriaThe collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria following a lightning rebel offensive in November has shaken Assad-ally Russia’s near-decade of influence in the country. It has also had one other lesser-known consequence: disrupting Moscow’s ability to recruit Syrian fighters for its war in Ukr…The Kyiv IndependentKostiantyn Nechyporenko