Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa engage in talks emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect as both nations work to reestablish diplomatic ties.
Published On 25 Sep 2025
During the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa convened to officially renew diplomatic relations between their countries, marking a significant step in bilateral engagement.
The meeting was also attended by Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and a delegation, as confirmed by the Syrian Foreign Ministry in a concise announcement.
Relations between Ukraine and Syria had been severed in 2022 after Damascus recognized the self-declared independence of the Russian-supported separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. This recognition prompted Syria to cut diplomatic ties with Kyiv shortly thereafter.
Following their discussions, Zelenskyy announced the signing of a joint communiqué that reinstates formal diplomatic channels between Ukraine and Syria.
“This milestone is welcomed, and we stand ready to assist the Syrian people in their journey toward peace and stability,” Zelenskyy expressed on the social platform X.
He further elaborated that their talks covered potential areas for cooperation, shared security challenges confronting both nations, and strategies to address these threats effectively.
Today, Ukraine and Syria signed a Joint Communiqué on the restoration of diplomatic relations. We welcome this important step and are ready to support the Syrian people on their path to stability.
During our negotiations with President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa, we also discussed… pic.twitter.com/HBXsoaRob8
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 24, 2025
Zelenskyy emphasized that the renewed relationship would be grounded in mutual respect and trust, setting a foundation for future collaboration.
Al-Sharaa’s arrival in New York on Sunday, accompanied by a ministerial delegation, marked Syria’s first presidential-level participation in the UN General Assembly in nearly six decades.
Historically, Syria had boycotted the UN gathering since the aftermath of the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, which resulted in Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights region.
The last Syrian president to attend the UN summit was Nureddin al-Atassi, who served from 1966 to 1970.
Earlier this year, Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed leadership in Damascus after opposition forces he led successfully ousted the Assad regime, ending over fifty years of Assad family governance in Syria.
In his inaugural address at the UNGA, al-Sharaa appealed for the removal of international sanctions that have heavily impacted Syria’s recovery efforts.
He also outlined recent reforms implemented since taking office, including the establishment of new governmental bodies, plans to hold elections, and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment to revitalize the war-affected nation.
