Syria’s Foreign Minister Launches Diplomatic Engagement in Saudi Arabia
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani visited Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish renewed diplomatic ties after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. His delegation seeks to foster cooperation, with calls for lifting Western sanctions to support Syria’s recovery. The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s intention to reduce Iranian influence and play a pivotal role in Syria’s future economic revival and reconstruction efforts.
Asaad Al-Shaibani, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, commenced his first official trip abroad by visiting Saudi Arabia. His arrival in Riyadh marks a significant moment for Syria following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by rebel forces on December 8. In his address, Al-Shaibani expressed a desire to initiate a “new, bright page” in Syrian-Saudi relations, signifying hopes for improved diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The delegation accompanying Al-Shaibani includes Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, indicating the importance of the visit in both diplomatic and strategic contexts. The delegation’s arrival was facilitated by an invitation from the Saudi Foreign Minister, with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji receiving them at Riyadh’s international airport.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Al-Shaibani emphasized the administration’s objective to have the Western sanctions against Syria lifted to foster recovery and development. Adam Clements, a former US diplomat, highlighted that Saudi Arabia aims to establish robust connections with Syria while diminishing Iran’s influence in the country. Al-Shaibani’s visit is pivotal as Saudi Arabia seeks to play a crucial role in Syria’s future, especially concerning reconstruction efforts and economic revitalization after years of conflict.
The backdrop to this diplomatic engagement is the severe impact of over 13 years of civil war on Syria’s economy and infrastructure, which began amid pro-democracy protests in 2011. In recent developments, following more than a decade of severed relations, Saudi Arabia has began re-establishing connections with the Syrian government, coinciding with Syria’s reinstatement into the Arab League in 2023. This new phase could signal a promising opportunity for neighboring countries to invest in Syria’s recovery and growth.
Overall, this visit signifies an important turning point for Syria and Saudi Arabia as they attempt to rebuild their relationship and stabilize the region amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Syria’s political landscape has undergone significant changes following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The civil war, which began in 2011, severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and economy. Amidst this turmoil, regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, are recalibrating their relationships with Syria. The recent ousting of al-Assad has empowered a new Syrian interim government, opening doors for potential collaborations and investments from neighboring countries, particularly as they seek to counteract Iranian influence.
The visit of Asaad Al-Shaibani to Saudi Arabia marks a critical step toward rebuilding Syrian-Saudi relations following years of conflict. With the appointment of a new Syrian government and the desire to lift sanctions, both countries are looking forward to enhanced cooperation. This diplomatic engagement suggests that there are significant opportunities for regional partnerships to aid in Syria’s reconstruction, potentially reshaping the dynamics within the Middle East as geopolitical alliances shift.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
