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A senior Arab diplomat has revealed that the Arab League could send a special envoy to Damascus to engage with the new Syrian administration.

The unnamed diplomat indicated that there is a strong inclination within the Arab League to establish a communication channel with the new authorities, following the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad in early December. 

The official told Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the Arab regional body is "exploring the situation and conducting meetings with the new administration in Syria, as well as representatives from various factions within the country”.

The new envoy's role would involve listening to Syrian officials’ perspectives and updating them on the operational mechanisms of the Arab League and its relationship with the country.

While the specific timing of the visit has yet to be determined, discussions are ongoing regarding its format and nature.

The diplomat also claimed that the visit would not be limited to meetings with the transitional government, but would also include discussions with various segments of Syrian society.

The exploratory visit would open channels of communication and reiterate the Arab League's readiness to engage with the new administration and collaborate on future initiatives.

The Arab League previously held a meeting in Aqaba, Jordan, on December 14, during which it affirmed its commitment to stand by the Syrian people and help during its political transition.

The committee, which included representatives from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, vowed to support a comprehensive and peaceful transition.

The body previously suspended Syria's membership in 2012 following the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests but restored the Assad regime's membership in 2023.

The Arab League's decision to send a special envoy to Damascus coincides with increased bilateral communications between global powers and the new Syrian administration.

French and German foreign ministers arrived in Damascus on Friday, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December.

It came after a week of busy diplomatic engagements for Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. In recent days, he has held discussions with counterparts from Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, and Morocco.

Al-Shibani and Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.

The Syrian FM called on Kuwait to reopen its embassy in Damascus, describing the move as a vital step toward restoring bilateral ties.

Similarly, Iraq has expressed its intent to reinstate its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein voiced his support for Syria’s new leadership, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring stability.