Syrian Foreign Minister Visits Saudi Arabia: A New Chapter in Regional Relations
Department of Research, Studies and International News02-01-2025
In a landmark diplomatic move, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani embarked on his first official overseas visit to Saudi Arabia following the recent upheaval that ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This historic trip signifies a potential reset in relations between the two nations, as Syria’s new administration seeks to re-establish ties with its regional neighbors.
Al-Shaibani’s arrival in Riyadh on Wednesday night marked a pivotal moment for Syria, occurring less than a month after rebel forces deposed the former president, Bashar al-Assad, on December 8. The newly appointed foreign minister, who assumed his role on December 21 under Syria’s interim government, expressed his hopes for a fresh beginning in bilateral relations.
“I have just arrived in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab,” al-Shaibani announced on the social media platform X. “Through this historic visit, we aspire to open a new, bright page in Syrian-Saudi relations, one that reflects the long and intertwined history between our two nations.”
The Syrian delegation was officially invited by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry, underscoring the significance of the visit. Upon their arrival at Riyadh’s international airport, they were greeted by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji. The high-level delegation also included prominent figures such as Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, highlighting the diplomatic and strategic importance of the visit.
During an exclusive interview, al-Shaibani outlined his administration’s vision for Syria’s future, emphasizing the urgent need to lift Western sanctions that have stifled the country’s recovery. The minister underscored the new government’s commitment to rebuilding Syria’s economy and infrastructure, which have been ravaged by over a decade of conflict.
Experts suggest that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction. Adam Clements, a former U.S. diplomat and Pentagon official, highlighted the broader implications of the visit. “This is a significant moment from a diplomatic standpoint,” he noted, emphasizing Riyadh’s efforts to establish robust ties with Syria’s new administration while Iran’s influence over the country wanes.
Clements also pointed to Saudi Arabia’s potential contributions to Syria’s reconstruction, particularly in addressing the country’s dependence on Iranian oil and fuel. “The Gulf States, led by Saudi Arabia, could play a pivotal role in supporting Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts,” he added.
In a separate interview with Al Arabiya television, Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, reiterated Saudi Arabia’s importance in shaping Syria’s future. As the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that spearheaded the rebel offensive against al-Assad, al-Sharaa described Syria as a promising investment opportunity for neighboring countries. He emphasized Riyadh’s potential to drive significant economic and infrastructural development in the war-torn nation.
Syria’s civil war, which erupted in 2011 following a harsh crackdown on pro-democracy protests, has left the country’s economy and infrastructure in ruins. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Bashar al-Assad’s government in 2012 and supported rebel factions in the early stages of the conflict. However, in a notable shift, the Arab League readmitted Syria in 2023 after a decade-long suspension, signaling a broader regional effort to reintegrate the country into the Arab fold.
Al-Shaibani’s visit to Riyadh symbolizes the start of a new era in Syrian-Saudi relations. As both nations navigate this fresh chapter, the world watches closely to see how these renewed ties will reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
