IRIA News

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Syria’s top diplomat, Asaad Al Shaibani, arrived in Riyadh on January 2, 2025, on his first foreign visit since assuming office. This maiden visit marks a significant milestone for Syria’s new rulers after rebel forces ousted former President Bashar Al Assad on December 8, 2024.

“I have just arrived in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by the Minister of Defence Murhaf Abu Qasra and the Head of the General Intelligence Service Anas Khattab,” Al Shaibani shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Through this first visit in the history of Free Syria, we aspire to open a new, bright page in Syrian-Saudi relations that befits the long-shared history between the two countries,” he added.

The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011 after a crackdown on pro-democracy protests, left the nation devastated. Over 13 years, the conflict claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions, while the economy and infrastructure suffered severe damage.

The removal of Al Assad last month marked a turning point in Syria’s tumultuous history. Spearheaded by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, the offensive that unseated Assad was led by Ahmed Al Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed Al Julani. Al Sharaa now serves as Syria’s de facto leader, working alongside the interim government to rebuild the nation and navigate its reentry into the global diplomatic arena.

The visit by Al Shaibani and his high-ranking delegation comes at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. It represents an effort to rebuild ties between the two countries after years of estrangement. In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Syria, aligning itself with rebel forces opposing Assad.

Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji greeted the Syrian delegation at Riyadh’s international airport. The delegation includes Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, highlighting the strategic significance of the visit. The Syrian delegation also met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh. The meeting covered the latest developments in Syria and the transitional political process while ensuring Syria’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.

Economic and diplomatic aspirations

Syria’s interim leadership views Saudi Arabia as a key ally in the region. In an interview with, Al Shaibani emphasized the need to lift Western sanctions, which have crippled Syria’s recovery efforts. He outlined the administration’s plans to stabilize the nation and rebuild its economy, which has been shattered by over a decade of conflict.

In a interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, Ahmed Al Sharaa echoed this sentiment, saying, “Riyadh will certainly have a large role in Syria’s future,” and pointed to “a big investment opportunity for all neighboring countries.”

The remarks reflect the interim government’s strategy to attract regional investments, particularly from Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, to spur economic growth. Saudi Arabia’s recent efforts to engage with previously estranged Arab states, including Syria, signal a broader regional realignment.

A new chapter in Syrian-Saudi relations

The visit comes months after Syria’s readmission into the Arab League in 2023, ending more than a decade of suspension. The move was seen as a step towards reintegrating Syria into the Arab world despite lingering divisions over the conflict and its aftermath.

For Saudi Arabia, reestablishing ties with Syria aligns with its broader goals of promoting regional stability and fostering economic cooperation. The kingdom has recently undertaken ambitious projects like Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify its economy and enhance its geopolitical influence.

The diplomatic engagement also underscores Saudi Arabia’s willingness to play a central role in Syria’s post-war reconstruction. Analysts believe Riyadh’s involvement could pave the way for broader international support for Syria’s rebuilding efforts, particularly if sanctions are eased.

Third Saudi Relief Plane Departs for Syria with Essential Aid Supplies.https://t.co/4uCN1pgH5E#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/DIsv5bqsJs

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 2, 2025

Despite the optimistic tone of Al Shaibani’s visit, significant challenges remain. Syria’s interim government faces the colossal task of rebuilding a war-torn nation, addressing humanitarian needs, and ensuring political stability. The international community remains divided on how to engage with the new administration, with Western nations still wary of HTS’s influence within the interim leadership.

Moreover, lingering mistrust between Damascus and Riyadh will need to be addressed. Saudi Arabia’s previous backing of anti-Assad rebels created deep rifts that may take time to heal fully.

Al Shaibani’s visit to Saudi Arabia is a crucial step toward normalizing Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbors. While symbolic, it signals the interim government’s commitment to forging alliances that can aid in Syria’s recovery and reintegration into the international community.

As Syria turns the page on its tumultuous past, the road ahead will demand careful diplomacy, economic reforms, and a commitment to rebuilding trust with both regional and global partners. For now, this historic visit marks a hopeful beginning for a country striving to rebuild from the ashes of conflict.