Syria’s foreign ministry appointed former Bashar al-Assad spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, as an adviser for American affairs, returning him to diplomacy after years in exile and in opposition politics.
The ministry listed Makdissi in the new appointments announced Sunday. His role was described as “adviser for American affairs.”
Makdissi, who lives in the United States, said on X that he was returning to “the ranks of the new Syrian diplomacy” with pride and gratitude.
Makdissi became one of the most visible faces of Assad’s government after Syria’s civil war began in March 2011. A Christian native of Damascus, he served as foreign ministry spokesman during the early stage of the conflict.
He disappeared from public view in December 2012. Months later, he said he had left Syria because polarisation had reached a deadly and destructive stage.
In exile, Makdissi joined the opposition-linked Cairo group. He also took part in United Nations-sponsored talks in Geneva.
Makdissi later presented himself as a moderate voice who supported political transition through dialogue. He opposed militarisation and foreign military intervention.
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After Assad’s fall in December 2024, Makdissi visited Syria several times and met officials in the new administration.
His appointment comes as Syria’s new authorities try to rebuild foreign relations after nearly 14 years of civil war and diplomatic isolation.
