Syrian President Al-Sharaa Meets Saudi Crown Prince in Landmark Visit

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh, marking his first foreign trip since assuming leadership of the transitional government earlier this week, Al Jazeera reports.

The meeting signals a potential shift in regional alliances and a push for international legitimacy for the post-Assad Syria.

Al-Sharaa’s arrival at King Khalid International Airport was met by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region. He was accompanied by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani for the talks with MBS.

Following the meeting, President al-Sharaa expressed optimism, stating that Saudi Arabia showed “a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future.” He revealed discussions with Saudi officials included plans for cooperation in various sectors, including energy, technology, education, and healthcare.

Al-Sharaa rose to power after leading the Syrian opposition in a rapid military campaign that overthrew the long-standing regime of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8th. His administration now faces the challenges of securing regional and international recognition and overturning damaging Western sanctions.

Despite the positive rhetoric, concerns linger regarding al-Sharaa’s past ties to al-Qaeda, which have tempered enthusiasm in some international circles. However, Syria’s new leadership emphasizes its commitment to regional integration and protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.

This visit to Riyadh is seen as a significant step away from the Assad regime’s close ties with Iran and Russia. Experts note that the trip symbolizes a “seismic shift in the country’s alignment and future relations.”

Analyst Bin Javaid suggests that al-Sharaa’s visit aims to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s promise, made during Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s recent visit to Damascus, to actively engage with Europe and the United States in efforts to lift sanctions on Syria. Furthermore, it is intended to secure assistance in rebuilding Syria’s damaged infrastructure, government, and institutions.

Al-Sharaa himself has previously highlighted the potential for significant Saudi investment in Syria’s reconstruction, stating last month that the kingdom “will certainly have a large role in Syria’s future.”