Newsletter No. 515
News-Analysis
February 12, 2007

 

The following newsletter has been contributed by Keely Fahoum (Shingetsu Member No. 112). Fahoum is based at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

DEVELOPING BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND SYRIA

Over the last week, there have been numerous diplomatic events occurring between Syria and Japan, mostly in the realm of domestic aid and cooperation between the two countries, but one particularly interesting article on reconstruction in Iraq.

This week, Syrian Information Minister Dr. Mohsen Bilal met with Ambassador Masaki Kuneida, to discuss developing bilateral relations between the two countries, specifically in the realm of media and journalism. Dr. Bilal emphasized the importance of the media for conveying facts and realities. He also pointed out that private media including radio and newsprint were working side-by-side with official media outlets. There was not much coverage on the Japanese response to Dr. Bilal’s comments; however, the Japanese ambassador highlighted the necessity of expanding and developing the bilateral relationship between Syria and Japan. Although the Syrian government has played the “Big Brother” role in media and journalism within its country, it is interesting to note Dr. Bilal’s efforts to demonstrate to Japan that there are “private” media outlets in the country. It remains to be seen, however, how closely the private and state-run media outlets work “side-by-side.” I’m wondering if it may be more like a superior-subordinate relationship, and the “private” label is more for window dressing to make the outlets appear less state-controlled.

Another area of Japanese cooperation and aid to Syria came in the form of US$89,000 to the National Association to Develop Women’s Roles in the Country. Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Dr. Diyala al-Haj Aref, cited the importance of expanding women’s roles in Syrian civil society. The Chairwoman of the National Association Board highlighted the importance of hosting and caring for women who are victims of violence in Damascus by promoting violence prevention and by offering social services including vocational and psychological rehabilitation. Ambassador Kuneida commented on the importance of the project and its impact on Syrian civil society.

On February 5th, Syrian Minister of Education Ali Saad met with Ambassador Kuneida in Damascus to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the area of education. Minister Saad informed Ambassador Kuneida that Syria was working on several strategic projects to develop education, stressing the need for Japanese input and cooperation through agreements and fostering communication from both sides. He also lauded the positive role of JICA within Syria. Ambassador Kuneida reiterated the importance of continuing communication between the two countries and mentioned that cooperation must be promoted with Syria in all domains.

February 9th saw the introduction of the Syrian-Japanese Parliamentary Friendship Association in Tokyo to enhance the “friendship” and relations between the two countries. Syrian Ambassador Qahtan Syoufi attended and underscored the significance of the association in developing and boosting the Syrian-Japanese relations and “cordial” ties between them. Syoufi also lauded the Japanese economic and development aid to Syria. Former Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama presided over the association and reiterated the importance of Syria’s political position, and Japan’s desire to stay informed on the region’s issues. Although economic cooperation is nothing new between Japan and Syria, the emphasis on regional information-passing between the two countries is an interesting development as is formalizing the process through a Parliamentary Friendship Association. The Japanese-Syrian relationship has been growing significantly in the past few months, or at least within the diplomatic arena, to the extent that one may think there will be a future partnership for peace effort push in the region led by the two countries, and Japan’s diplomatic maneuvering will allow them to negotiate from a position of trust and “friendship” when the time comes to take sides.

During meetings which occurred between state representatives in late January, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem expressed his desire to exert efforts in rebuilding Iraq by promoting stability and security in the country. For his part, Japanese Ambassador for the Reconstruction of Iraq Gotaro Ogawa briefed Foreign Minister al-Moallem on the reconstruction projects Japan is working on in Iraq. Al-Moallem stressed Syria’s intention to cooperate with Japan in this regard. The effort by Syria to involve itself in the rebuilding of Iraq is not simply a poke in the eye of the West -- it behooves Syria to have stability and security in the war-torn country. Syria's involvement in a post-war Iraq is not strictly for state security reasons, but contributes to a strong foundation for future regional peace deals. Syria struggles on a daily basis to escape from under the shadow of Iran, and desires to be seen as a separate entity which also wants stability in the region. Although one must not forget Syrian President al-Asad’s desire for regime preservation by hitching his wagon to a Western-friendly country such as Japan, he can also make credible public overtures that Syria is interested in developing into a state that has progressive social, economic and political aspirations. It remains to be seen, however, whether Syria’s domestic changes and diplomatic efforts are only for cosmetic reasons, or are permanent features of a liberalizing regime.