Jihad Makdissi Rejoins Syrian Foreign Ministry as US Affairs Adviser

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the return of former ministry spokesperson Jihad Makdissi, appointing him Advisor for American Affairs as part of a wider reshuffle of department directors and senior advisors. Makdissi — a prominent diplomatic face during the early years of the conflict who left Syria in December 2012 — posted on X expressing pride and gratitude, thanking Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani for the trust and calling the role a "great responsibility". He pledged to use his experience to advance Syria's interests and strengthen its international presence.

A Damascus-born Christian diplomat, Makdissi served at the embassy in London before becoming the ministry’s public spokesman and later joined the Cairo Platform in exile, representing it in UN-led Geneva talks while advocating negotiated political transition. He subsequently lived in the UAE and the United States as a lecturer and corporate lawyer and largely stepped back from active politics before making several visits to Syria and meeting officials in the new administration. His recall comes as Damascus seeks to rebuild foreign relations, notably with the United States, after years of isolation and sanctions.

as reported by The Syrian Observer