Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Thursday that he is preparing to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, following the recent overthrow of the Russia-aligned government in Damascus. This statement came after a visit to Syria by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Agriculture Minister Vitaliy Koval, who noted that Ukraine had already dispatched a shipment of food aid.

“We are working towards resuming diplomatic relations with Syria and enhancing our collaboration within international organizations,” Zelenskiy stated.

Ukraine severed its diplomatic ties with Syria in June 2022 after the Syrian government recognized the “independence” of the Russia-occupied regions in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk areas. In light of the recent changes in Syria’s leadership, Ukraine is now seeking to establish connections with the new Islamist authorities. Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, was a key supporter of former President Bashar al-Assad and has granted him political asylum.

Additionally, Zelenskiy mentioned plans to boost trade with Lebanon and to significantly increase agricultural exports, aiming to raise them from $400 million. He also indicated that Ukraine would send 500 metric tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of the humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, in partnership with the U.N. World Food Programme. This shipment is expected to support approximately 167,000 Syrians for a month, according to Koval in a televised interview.

He mentioned that this shipment is not the final one, noting that Syria has expressed interest in receiving deliveries of oil, sugar, and meat. “Currently, through government discussions, we recognize that support must be consistent and enduring, rather than a temporary measure; it should be reliable and long-term,” Koval stated. Additionally, Moscow has indicated that it is in communication with the new administration in Damascus regarding the status of Russian military installations in Syria.