Syria’s new foreign minister visits Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties

Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani made his first official visit to Saudi Arabia on January 1, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The visit signals Syria’s intent to forge a new path in regional diplomacy as it strives to rebuild after more than a decade of civil war.

Al-Shibani, accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Head Anas Khattab, emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties with Saudi Arabia. “Through this historic visit, we aspire to open a new, bright page in Syrian-Saudi relations that reflects our shared history,” he stated.

The delegation was warmly received by Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, at Riyadh’s international airport. Photos released by the Syrian Foreign Ministry showcased cordial interactions, including meetings with top Saudi officials.

This visit follows a Saudi delegation’s meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus last month. Sharaa, the leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, led the rebel offensive that ousted Assad in December 2024. He expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia’s role in Syria’s future, describing it as a “large investment opportunity” for regional neighbors.

Saudi Arabia, which severed ties with Syria in 2012, resumed diplomatic relations last year and facilitated Syria’s return to the Arab League. However, concerns persist over the trafficking of captagon, a highly addictive narcotic produced in Syria under Assad’s regime. Addressing this issue remains a critical point in rebuilding trust.

With Syria’s economy and infrastructure shattered by years of conflict, the nation is keen on attracting investment and fostering regional cooperation to spur recovery. This renewed diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia could pave the way for broader regional stability.

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