Assistant Secretary-General of the Presidency (Syria)


The Assistant Secretary-General of the Presidency, is a senior administrative position within the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic. The role assists the Secretary-General to the Presidency in overseeing administrative, organizational, and coordination matters between the presidency and other branches of government. It currently focuses on Cabinet Affairs, ensuring effective communication and coordination of policies among ministries. The position is part of the higher ranks of the Syrian state bureaucracy and plays an important role in implementing presidential directives and facilitating inter-ministerial cooperation.

History

Following the fall of the Assad government on 8 December 2024 and the establishment of a transitional administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the General Secretariat continued its operations. The position of Assistant Secretary-General gained prominence in 2025, particularly with the appointment of Ali Keda on 26 May 2025, who focused on Cabinet Affairs amid efforts to stabilize the new government and coordinate policy implementation across ministries.

Role and responsibilities

The Assistant Secretary-General supports the Secretary-General in a range of duties, including:
  • Coordinating with the Cabinet to execute presidential policies and decrees.
  • Organizing meetings between the President, ministers, and external stakeholders.
  • Preparing reports on cabinet-level developments for presidential review.
  • Representing the Presidency at official events and inspections related to government initiatives.
In practice, the role has been instrumental in the transitional period, facilitating dialogues on legal reforms, economic recovery, and inter-ministerial collaborations. For instance, in August 2025, Keda participated in a high-level delegation to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to convey condolences following an attack on a Damascus church and to reaffirm national unity. Later, in October 2025, he met with the Minister of Emergencies to discuss enhancing the national risk management system.