First International Visit Between Saudi Arabia and Syria After 13 Years of Conflict: A New Chapter in Relations
Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria's new foreign minister, set foot in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh for the first time, marking the initial international visit by Syria's new rulers following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad. Al-Shaibani expressed hope for opening a “bright new chapter” with Saudi Arabia.
This visit, which began on Wednesday evening, took place nearly a month after the fall of Assad's government. Sharing his sentiments on social media platform X, al-Shaibani stated, "I have arrived in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and the head of the General Intelligence Service, Anas Khattab."
He further added, "This is the first foreign visit in the history of Free Syria. We aspire to open a new chapter in Syrian-Saudi relations that aligns with the long-standing traditions between the two nations."
Syria's interim government appointed al-Shaibani as foreign minister on December 21. The invitation for the visit was extended by Saudi Arabia's foreign minister. Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji, welcomed the Syrian delegation at Riyadh's international airport.
The presence of Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab in the delegation further underscores the diplomatic and strategic significance of the visit.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, al-Shaibani called for the lifting of Western sanctions and outlined the future plans of Syria's new administration. Adam Clements, a former US diplomat, noted that Saudi Arabia is working to strengthen ties with Syria as Iran's influence in the region wanes.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's de facto leader, emphasized the investment potential in Syria and remarked, "Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly play a significant role in Syria's future."
Saudi Arabia severed ties with Bashar al-Assad's government in 2012. In 2023, Syria was reinstated as a member of the Arab League after more than a decade. This visit is now being seen as a stepping stone toward a new chapter in relations between the two nations.
