Syria’s newly appointed president of the transitional government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia to seek support for his administration.
Meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Upon arriving in Riyadh, al-Sharaa was greeted by the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, before meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). This visit marks a significant step for Syria’s new leadership as they aim to establish diplomatic ties and garner support from regional powers.
Aspiring for Cooperation
During the discussions, al-Sharaa expressed that the meeting with MBS demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s genuine desire to assist Syria in forging its future. The talks reportedly covered various areas of potential cooperation, including energy, technology, education, and health.
Transitioning from Assad’s Regime
Al-Sharaa played a pivotal role in the recent overthrow of long-time President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, leading the Syrian opposition in a rapid advance across the country. Following this significant political shift, the transitional government is now focused on gaining regional and international legitimacy and working towards the lifting of Western sanctions imposed on Syria.
Concerns and Challenges
Despite the optimistic outlook, there are lingering concerns regarding al-Sharaa’s past association with al-Qaeda, which has moderated some support from various factions. Nonetheless, the new Syrian administration emphasizes the importance of regional integration and protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Syria’s Future
Earlier this month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan mentioned that Saudi Arabia is actively engaging in dialogue with both Europe and the United States to facilitate the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Al-Sharaa’s visit is seen as a reminder of Saudi Arabia’s potential role in Syria’s reconstruction and development, with a focus on rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and government institutions.
A Shift in Alliances
This trip is symbolic of a seismic shift in Syria’s diplomatic alignments, moving away from the previous allegiance to Iran and Russia under Assad’s regime. Al-Sharaa highlighted that Saudi Arabia will play a significant role in shaping Syria’s future, presenting opportunities for investment from neighboring countries.
Regional Developments
Al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia follows a recent trip by Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, to Riyadh. Furthermore, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, made headlines by visiting Damascus, marking the first visit by an Arab leader since the overthrow of Assad, underscoring the shifting dynamics in the region.
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