Syria’s New Foreign Minister to Visit Saudi Arabia in Diplomatic Outreach
Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s new foreign minister, will visit Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip following an invitation from Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud. This visit comes amid a trend of Arab officials reconnecting with Syria after a decade of strained relations. Syria’s leadership is eager to secure investments for reconstruction and has recently seen a Ukrainian delegation extend support, indicating shifting regional dynamics.
Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, is set to embark on his inaugural foreign visit to Saudi Arabia next month, following an invitation from his counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud. Al-Shibani expressed his gratitude and excitement for representing Syria during this significant visit, emphasizing the intention to strengthen strategic ties with the Kingdom across various sectors.
This announcement comes at a time when several Arab foreign officials have recently visited Damascus, seeking to reinstate relations that had deteriorated post-2011 due to the violent repression of protests during the Arab Spring by former President Bashar al-Assad. The new Syrian leadership is particularly focusing on attracting investment from the Gulf nations to revive the economy and rebuild infrastructure damaged over 13 years of conflict.
In a recent interview, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, noted that it may take up to four years for the implementation of a democratic election process in Syria. Emphasizing a phased approach, Sharaa explained that his group, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is currently acting as a caretaker government, prioritizing law and order before transitioning power to a more permanent government.
Additionally, a Ukrainian delegation has made a recent visit to Syria, pledging aid in the form of flour shipments. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy articulated the desire to restore diplomatic relations with Syria post-Assad, contingent on adherence to international law.
These developments illustrate shifting dynamics in the region, with notable interventions and interest from neighboring nations and international actors to stabilize the Syrian situation and rebuild its economy after years of turmoil.
The recent focus on revitalizing Syrian diplomatic relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia, highlights a broader trend among Arab nations to mend ties with Syria. Following the civil unrest and brutal governmental responses during the Arab Spring uprisings, many Arab nations distanced themselves from the Assad regime. However, as conflict dynamics evolve and Syria seeks reconstruction investments, regional actors are reevaluating their positions, as evidenced by recent diplomatic engagements in Damascus. Moreover, the rising interest from Ukraine signifies a potential shift in international relations within the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The upcoming visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in the reestablishment of diplomatic relations within the Arab world. With a focus on securing support for economic reconstruction, the new Syrian leadership aims to navigate complex political landscapes and foster connections with Gulf nations. The unfolding events, including the involvement of Ukraine, suggest a potential for both regional stabilization and enhanced international cooperation as Syria moves toward a more normalized status.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
