PROFILE - Asaad al-Shaibani: Syria’s foreign minister in a critical stage

ISTANBUL

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has emerged as a key figure in the country, undertaking a series of diplomatic visits to regional and Western capitals.

Al-Shaibani, 38, was appointed foreign minister in the transitional government on Dec. 8, 2024, just a day after the Assad regime was overthrown.

He retained this position in the newly formed government announced by transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Saturday.

Who is al-Shaibani?

Born in 1987 in Syria’s northeastern province of al-Hasakah, al-Shaibani grew up in Damascus, where he completed his education.

In 2009, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Damascus University. He later pursued higher education in Türkiye, obtaining a master’s degree in political science and international relations from Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University in 2022, followed by a doctorate in the same field in 2024.

Al-Shaibani actively joined the Syrian uprising against Bashar al-Assad (2000–2024) from its onset in March 2011 and remained engaged throughout its various phases.

He played a key political role in opposition governance structures, serving as director of political affairs in the Salvation Government since its establishment in northwestern Syria in 2017.

Additionally, he worked on humanitarian issues, fostering relations with the UN and its agencies and facilitating humanitarian efforts in northwestern Syria.

Before the offensive that led to Assad’s ouster, al-Shaibani managed the external political relations of opposition-controlled northern Syria.

He also headed the political affairs department of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overseeing relations with international and regional entities, according to Syrian media reports.

On Dec. 8, 2024, Syrian anti-regime groups took full control of the country, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule and 53 years of Assad family dominance.

Challenging tasks ahead

Al-Shaibani’s appointment comes as the new government seeks to establish political and diplomatic relations with various countries, including those that remain skeptical about the transition and Syria’s future.

Syria is undergoing significant political and military shifts, and observers are closely watching how the new administration will navigate domestic and international challenges post-Assad.

In his speech before taking the oath, al-Shaibani said: “Today is not just a historical turning point, it is the embodiment of the revolution’s spirit, a revolution launched for freedom and dignity.”

He emphasized that the Foreign Ministry’s role extends beyond neutralizing adversaries or easing international sanctions. “Our mission is to gain genuine allies, build relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests, and establish bridges of cooperation and peace with the world.”

“Our journey is still full of challenges, but we look to the future with hope and determination,” he added.

During the government announcement, al-Sharaa said: “We are witnessing the birth of a new era in our national journey. The formation of this government is a testament to our collective will to build a new state.”

He vowed reforms in education and health care while pledging to prevent corruption from infiltrating state institutions.

On Jan. 29, 2025, the Syrian administration officially declared al-Sharaa as transitional president, abolishing the country’s constitution, dissolving armed groups, security agencies, parliament, and the Baath Party.

On March 13, al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration outlining a five-year transitional period.

The declaration was drafted based on the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference held in February 2025, according to the expert committee responsible for its formulation.