Canadian Diplomat Pursues Renewed Engagement with Syria Amid Post-Conflict Transition
Gregory Galligan, Canada's ambassador to Lebanon and Syria, is leading diplomatic efforts to re-establish ties with Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024. Based in Beirut since Canada closed its Damascus embassy in 2012 due to civil war, Galligan and his team now travel weekly to Damascus to meet with government officials and civil society groups. He aims to support Syria's transition toward democracy and human rights, noting positive engagement on issues like minority representation. Galligan has also facilitated meetings with returning Syrian-Canadians and hosted a Ramadan iftar in Damascus to rebuild connections, emphasizing Syria's economic potential in natural resources.
Key facts
- Gregory Galligan serves as Canada's ambassador to both Lebanon and Syria, operating from Beirut.
- Canada closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 due to security concerns during the Syrian civil war.
- Galligan was among the first Western diplomats to present credentials in Syria after Bashar al-Assad's fall in December 2024.
- His team conducts weekly meetings in Damascus with Syrian government and civil society representatives.
- Galligan hosted a Ramadan iftar in Damascus in February to foster diplomatic and community ties.
Entities
Institutions
- Canada's embassy in Damascus
Locations
- Beirut
- Damascus
- Syria
- Lebanon
Sources
- Monocle —