Saudi Arabia Commits to Supporting Syria, Asserts Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa
On February 2, 2025, Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia, marking his first official trip since replacing Bashar al-Assad. Following a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, al-Sharaa highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to aiding Syria’s reconstruction. This visit signals a strategic shift towards Gulf alliances and away from Iranian influence, amid discussions on lifting international sanctions.
On February 2, 2025, Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia for his inaugural international visit since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. Following discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, al-Sharaa expressed that Saudi Arabia is dedicated to assisting Syria in its future development. He emphasized the earnest commitment of the Kingdom to support Syria’s rebuilding efforts, as articulated through a statement on Telegram.
Al-Sharaa’s visitation to Riyadh is perceived as a strategic move towards strengthening ties with Gulf nations and reducing dependency on Iran. For over thirteen years, Iran invested significantly—estimated between $30 to $50 billion—in stabilizing the Assad regime. In contrast, Saudi Arabia previously supported various insurgent factions opposing Assad during the prolonged civil conflict, which eventually reached a stalemate due to Iranian and Russian backing of the Assad government.
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, al-Sharaa traveled on a Saudi aircraft, displaying national identifiers prominently. Upon arrival, Syria’s new flag was visible alongside that of Saudi Arabia, symbolizing a new political alignment. Discussions during this visit included the critical topic of urging international sanctions against Syria to be lifted, according to reports from Saudi media outlets.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously associated with the militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), led a successful offensive resulting in the ousting of Assad in December. This recent meeting is also significant as al-Sharaa was appointed interim president for a transitional phase, with HTS beginning to transition towards a political framework, reflecting changes in leadership according to Syrian state reports.
The geopolitical landscape in Syria is in flux following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad by rebel factions. Saudi Arabia’s historical role during the Syrian civil war saw it backing various rebel groups against Assad, while simultaneously opposing Iran’s substantial influence in the region, which has supported Assad. As the new interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa seeks to establish a new political direction for Syria, his engagement with Saudi Arabia represents a significant shift in alliances and potential support for reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country.
In conclusion, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing political evolution following the recent regime change. The commitment from Saudi Arabia to assist Syria underscores a potential shift in regional alliances, emphasizing a move towards greater independence from Iranian influence. With discussions focused on lifting international sanctions, al-Sharaa’s leadership heralds a new chapter in Syria’s quest for stability and reconstruction.
Original Source: www.dw.com
