Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has formed a new 22-member cabinet that includes representatives of the country's ethnic and religious minorities, state media SANA reported on March 29.

Al-Sharaa described the new ministerial team as a "government of construction and change" that will prioritise fighting corruption, developing the army and strengthening the economy.

Several ministers retained their positions, including the heads of foreign affairs and defence ministries, while new departments were created for sports and youth affairs and emergency situations.

The government includes Alawite representative Yarub Badr as transport minister, Druze community member Amgad Badr as agriculture minister, and Christian representative Hinb Kabavat as minister of social policy and labour, who is also the only woman in the cabinet.

Kurds, who control approximately 30% of Syrian territory, have no representation in the new government. The position of prime minister has not been established, with the president expected to lead the government directly.

"This truly inspires hope for normalisation of the situation in Syria. But political declarations and changes in ruling circles are one thing, what happens next on the ground is quite another," orientalist Ruslan Suleymanov told Business FM.

He added that the situation remains extremely unstable as militants often act according to their own judgment and do not always obey authorities in Damascus, instead following their field commanders.

A Russian delegation visited Syria earlier this winter for the first time since Bashar al-Assad's regime fell in December last year, with Russia confirming its support for positive changes in the country.