Riyadh hosted Syrian ministers from the transitional government on Thursday, marking their maiden international trip since overthrowing Bashar al-Assad last month.
“This historic visit signals a fresh start for Syrian-Saudi ties, reflecting the rich, intertwined legacy of our nations,” interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani shared online upon arriving in Riyadh late Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia, which severed ties with Assad’s regime in 2012 and initially backed rebels in Syria’s civil war, reopened diplomatic channels last year, helping Syria rejoin the Arab League and end its regional estrangement.
Eager to rebuild a war-torn nation, Syria’s new leadership seeks Saudi investment to mend its battered infrastructure after more than a decade of conflict. Alongside Shibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and intelligence chief Anas Khattab engaged in discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, as reported by Saudi state media.
A pivotal meeting last month between a Saudi delegation and Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, laid the groundwork for this visit. Sharaa, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, spearheaded the offensive that ousted Assad on December 8.
Speaking to Al Arabiya recently, Sharaa emphasized Saudi Arabia’s vital role in shaping Syria’s future, describing the kingdom as a cornerstone of the country’s revival. This visit cements a new chapter in Syrian-Saudi relations, with hopes pinned on collaboration and mutual prosperity.
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