KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Thursday his country’s readiness to resume diplomatic relations with Syria, less than a month after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The announcement signals a strategic shift in Ukraine’s foreign relations in the region, with intentions to enhance trade with Lebanon and boost agricultural exports.

According to Qatar News Agency, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to rebuilding ties with Syria while also aiming to significantly increase agricultural exports to Lebanon, targeting $400 million, effectively doubling current figures. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic partnerships in the region.

Zelensky has also pledged to support Syria with humanitarian aid as part of the initiative ‘Grain from Ukraine,’ in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Program. Ukraine plans to send 500 tons of wheat flour to assist the Syrian population, highlighting the country’s role in global humanitarian efforts.

The Ukrainian President’s statement followed a visit by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Minister of Agriculture Vitaliy Koval to Damascus. During the visit, it was confirmed that Ukraine had already dispatched a shipment of food aid intended to support approximately 167,000 Syrians for a month. Minister Koval noted that this shipment would not be the last, with Syria expressing interest in continuing to receive oil, sugar, and meat exports from Ukraine.