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On January 28, 2025, the General Command of the Syrian militant factions, led by Syrian jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), reported on Telegram[1] that HTS leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani, described as the "leader of the new Syrian administration," and Asaad Al-Shaibani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the HTS-led Syrian transitional government, met with a Palestinian delegation headed by Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority and its Minister of Foreign Affairs. The post included three photos from the meeting.
New Syrian Administration Meets With Russian Delegation
On January 29, the General Command posted[2] that the "new Syrian administration" met with a Russian delegation headed by Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Representative for the Middle East. According to the post, the parties discussed "key issues," including maintaining Syria's sovereignty and its "territorial integrity."
The post detailed that the Russians affirmed their support for the "positive changes" in Syria. In addition, the discussion included the role of Russia in "restoring trust with the Syrian people" through "concrete measures, such as compensation, reconstruction, and recovery." The parties also addressed "transitional justice mechanisms" to ensure accountability and justice for the victims of the "barbaric war" waged by the Assad regime.
According to the post, the new Syrian administration affirmed its commitment to cooperate with "all stakeholders" to build a Syrian future rooted in "justice, dignity, and sovereignty." It also emphasized that the renewal of relations must address "past mistakes," respect the Syrian people's will, and serve their interests.
The post was accompanied with a photo of Al-Sharaa and Bogdanov standing together and shaking hands.
Since the downfall of the Assad regime in early December 2024, Al-Sharaa has met with official delegations from various countries, including Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon, Germany, and the UK.[3] He has also met with a delegation from the International Criminal Court (ICC) headed by its chief prosecutor, Karim Ahmad Khan.[4]
[1] Telegram, January 28, 2025.
[2] Telegram, January 29, 2025.
[3] See MEMRI JTTM reports: Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Leader Al-Joulani Meets With Official Delegations From Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanese Druze Politician Walid Jumblatt, December 23, 2024; Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Leader Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani Meets In Damascus With German Diplomats, Local Groups, December 19, 2024; Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Leader Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani Meets With UK Diplomats, Druze Leaders; Calls To Remove Sanctions On Syria, Declares Country Will Be Ruled By Law And Institutions, December 17, 2024.
[4] See MEMRI JTTM report: Syrian Leader Ahmad Al-Shara'a Meets With International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor In Damascus, January 17, 2025.
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