Syria's newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the transitional government and the country's geopolitical landscape. Accompanied by Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh is viewed as a pivotal step away from the previous regime led by Bashar al-Assad, which maintained close ties with Iran and Russia.
The visit represents a "seismic shift in the country's alignment and future relations," as al-Sharaa seeks to redefine Syria's place in the region. His administration is keen on establishing stronger ties with Arab nations and fostering cooperation in various fields, including energy, technology, education, and health. Al-Sharaa's leadership played a crucial role in the opposition that led to the overthrow of Assad’s regime on December 8, setting the stage for this new diplomatic chapter.
During talks with Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia in Syria's future. He stated that he chose Riyadh as his first destination to ensure that the Kingdom recognizes the significance of the new Syrian administration. The discussions underscored a commitment to rebuilding Syria's infrastructure and governance, with al-Sharaa reminding Saudi officials of their promise to support these efforts.
Saudi Arabia has been actively engaged in dialogue with Western nations to address the economic sanctions imposed on Syria. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed ongoing efforts to facilitate lifting these restrictions, highlighting the Kingdom's interest in fostering regional stability. Al-Sharaa noted that Saudi Arabia "will certainly have a large role in Syria’s future," suggesting substantial investment opportunities for neighboring countries.
The visit follows a notable political event, as Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani recently became the first Arab leader to visit Damascus since Assad's downfall. This further indicates a potential thaw in relations between Syria and its Arab neighbors.
After meeting with MBS, al-Sharaa expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia's intentions, stating that the discussions revealed "a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future." However, past controversies surrounding al-Sharaa's alleged links to al-Qaeda have tempered support from some factions, despite the new administration's focus on regional integration and protections for various religious and ethnic groups.
