{"id":26635,"date":"2025-01-03T00:02:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T22:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=26635"},"modified":"2025-01-03T18:50:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T16:50:06","slug":"syrias-foreign-minister-visits-saudi-arabia-on-first-foreign-trip-as-new-government-settles-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/syrias-foreign-minister-visits-saudi-arabia-on-first-foreign-trip-as-new-government-settles-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Syria\u2019s foreign minister visits Saudi Arabia on first foreign trip as new government settles in"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

4 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s new rulers after rebel forces ousted former President Bashar Al Assad on December 8, 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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,\u201d Al Shaibani shared on X (formerly Twitter). \u201cThrough 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s de facto leader, working alongside the interim government to rebuild the nation and navigate its reentry into the global diplomatic arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi Arabia\u2019s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji greeted the Syrian delegation at Riyadh\u2019s 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\u2019s security, stability, and territorial integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Economic and diplomatic aspirations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A high-level Syrian delegation including the new Syrian administration’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Image Credit: Saudi Press Agency\/via X\/@Spa_Eng)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In a interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, Ahmed Al Sharaa echoed this sentiment, saying, \u201cRiyadh will certainly have a large role in Syria\u2019s future,\u201d and pointed to \u201ca big investment opportunity for all neighboring countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remarks reflect the interim government\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


A new chapter in Syrian-Saudi relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visit comes months after Syria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diplomatic engagement also underscores Saudi Arabia\u2019s willingness to play a central role in Syria\u2019s post-war reconstruction. Analysts believe Riyadh\u2019s involvement could pave the way for broader international support for Syria’s rebuilding efforts, particularly if sanctions are eased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Saudi Relief Plane Departs for Syria with Essential Aid Supplies.https:\/\/t.co\/4uCN1pgH5E<\/a>#SPAGOV<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DIsv5bqsJs<\/a><\/p>\u2014 SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 2, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>