On February 2, 2025, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, visited Saudi Arabia, marking his first international trip since ousting Bashar al-Assad. During his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he conveyed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to support Syria’s reconstruction and political transition, indicating a strategic shift from Iranian influence toward Gulf cooperation.
On February 2, 2025, Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, embarked on his first international journey to Saudi Arabia following his group’s ousting of Bashar al-Assad. During a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, al-Sharaa articulated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to assist Syria as it seeks to rebuild after years of conflict.
Al-Sharaa emphasized the productive discussions held with Saudi officials, which he described as reflecting a sincere interest in supporting Syria’s development. His visit is interpreted as a strategic shift toward closer ties with Gulf nations and away from Iranian influence, especially given Iran’s substantial investment in supporting Assad’s regime over the past decade.
The presence of Al-Sharaa, who previously aligned with the militant group al-Qaeda, alongside Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on a Saudi aircraft, marks a notable diplomatic moment. The display of Syria’s new flag alongside the Saudi flag at the airport further signals a significant political transition for Syria, following significant military changes within the country.
A critical aspect of their discussions is the advocacy for lifting international sanctions on Syria, which is seen as vital for the nation’s recovery. Al-Sharaa was recently appointed interim president after the successful offensive led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the group that played a pivotal role in ousting the former regime.
This diplomatic engagement reflects the ongoing transformation in Syria’s political landscape, with the newly formed leadership eager to solidify support from Saudi Arabia amid a shifting balance of power in the region.
The recent diplomatic visit by Ahmad al-Sharaa underscores Syria’s shift from reliance on Iranian support toward fostering relationships with Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. Over the years, Iran has heavily invested in supporting Assad, while Saudi Arabia had previously backed insurgent efforts against him. As Syria enters a transitional phase following the exit of the Assad regime, establishing new alliances and garnering support from more moderate Arab states becomes crucial.
In summary, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a significant pivot in Syria’s foreign relations, highlighting the interim government’s intention to establish closer ties with Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to assist Syria in rebuilding and the effort to lift sanctions are pivotal to this new alignment. The visit marks a historic moment for Syria as it embarks on a path of political transition and realignment.
Original Source: www.dw.com
