Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (Syria) facts for kids
| وزارة الخارجية والمغتربين | |
 |
|
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1920 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Jurisdiction | Syria and its diplomatic missions worldwide |
| Headquarters | Kafr Sousa, Damascus |
| Minister responsible | |
| Deputy Minister responsible |
|
| Website | Official website: http://mofaex.gov.sy/ |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic is a very important part of the Syrian government. Think of it as Syria's main team for talking to other countries. Its job is to manage all of Syria's relationships with governments around the world. This includes protecting the interests of Syria and its citizens who live abroad. It also makes sure Syria is represented well to other countries and big international groups.
History of the Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working since 1920. That's a long time! On April 14, 2011, another important change happened. The responsibilities of the Ministry of Expatriates were added to this ministry. This means the ministry now also helps Syrians who live outside the country.
Key People at the Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has many important people who help run things. They work hard to manage Syria's relationships with other countries every day.
- Faisal Mekdad is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. He is the main person in charge of the ministry.
- Bassam al-Sabbagh is the Deputy Minister. He helps the Minister with all his duties.
- Ayman Raad is an Assistant Minister. He supports the main leaders.
- Jamal Najib is the Director of the Minister's office. He helps organize the Minister's work.
Foreign Ministers of Syria
Many different people have served as the top foreign minister for Syria over the years. This role is crucial for guiding the country's interactions with the rest of the world. Here are some of the periods and key figures who held this important position:
Early Syrian Foreign Ministers (1918–1946)
Syria's first foreign ministers served during the time of the Arab Kingdom of Syria and later under the French Mandate. These early leaders helped shape Syria's first steps in international relations.
- In 1920, people like Awni Abd al-Hadi and Abd al-Rahman Shahbandar were foreign ministers.
- During the French Mandate, from 1920 to 1946, ministers included Saadallah al-Jabiri and Fayez al-Khoury. They worked to represent Syria during a challenging time.
Foreign Ministers of the Syrian Republic (1946–1958)
After Syria gained full independence in 1946, the country became the Syrian Republic. Many different foreign ministers served during this period, helping Syria build its own place in the world.
- Important figures like Naim Antaki, Jamil Mardam Bey, and Khalid al-Azm held the position.
- Salah al-Din Bitar was also a foreign minister during these years, from 1956 to 1958.
Foreign Ministers During the United Arab Republic (1958–1961)
For a few years, Syria joined with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic. During this time, there was one foreign minister for both countries.
- Mahmoud Fawzi served as the foreign minister for the United Arab Republic from 1958 to 1961.
Foreign Ministers of the Syrian Arab Republic (1961–Present)
Since 1961, Syria has been known as the Syrian Arab Republic. Many foreign ministers have served in this period, guiding Syria's foreign policy through modern times.
- Early ministers in this period included Maamun al-Kuzbari and Maaruf al-Dawalibi.
- Later, Abdul-Halim Khaddam served for a long time, from 1970 to 1984.
- Farouk al-Sharaa was the foreign minister from 1984 to 2006.
- Walid Muallem held the position from 2006 to 2020.
- The current Minister, Faisal Mekdad, took office in 2020.
See also
- President of Syria
- List of presidents of Syria
- Vice President of Syria
- Prime Minister of Syria
- Speaker of the People's Assembly of Syria
- Cabinet of Syria
