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Syria’s new president visits Saudi Arabia in first overseas trip

Syria’s recently appointed interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has arrived in Saudi Arabia today for his first international visit since rebel forces ousted Bashar Al-Assad last month.

February 2, 2025 at 11:33 am

Syria’s recently appointed interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has arrived in Saudi Arabia today for his first international visit since rebel forces ousted Bashar Al-Assad last month.

State media reported that Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani travelled aboard a private jet, with the presidency posting a picture on X captioned: “President Sharaa and Asaad al-Shaibani travel to Saudi Arabia, first official visit.”

During his two-day stay in Riyadh, Al-Sharaa is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss strengthening relations and securing support for lifting international sanctions on Syria. The visit signals a shift in Damascus’ alliances, moving away from Iran, Assad’s long-time backer, and toward the Gulf.

He was received at King Khalid International Airport by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

READ: New Syria government demands Russia hands over Assad, reports say

Since the change in leadership, Damascus has seen a surge in diplomatic activity. Gulf states, initially cautious about the Islamist factions that took power, have stepped up engagement. On Thursday, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited Damascus—the first Gulf leader to do so since Assad’s fall.

Doha had been the most reluctant to engage with the former Assad government, even after Syria’s readmission into the Arab League, insisting it would only restore ties once Assad was removed from power.

Saudi Arabia, which had lost influence in Syria and Lebanon to Iran over the past decade, sees this as an opportunity to regain regional sway. Meanwhile, Russia faces the challenge of losing its key Middle Eastern ally, and Turkiye, which supported the rebels, has emerged as a dominant force in shaping Syria’s future.

The Syrian authorities hope Gulf backing will help finance the reconstruction of their war-torn country, with regional leaders stressing the need for stability and economic revival.

READ: Syria’s Islamist rulers overhaul economy with firings, privatisation of state firms