High-level Syrian Delegation Arrives in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Relations
January 2, 2025, 9:52 am

High-level Syrian Delegation Arrives in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Relations

وزير الخارجية، أسعد الشيباني، في أول زيارة خارجية

A Syrian official delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shabani, arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Wednesday evening, marking his first visit abroad since the overthrow of the former president, Bashar Al-Assad. This visit comes in response to an invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

The Syrian delegation was received at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, who was also accompanied by Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra and the head of the General Intelligence Directorate, Anas Khattab.

In a tweet posted on the platform "X," the Syrian foreign minister expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating that it represents a new beginning in relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia, and he expressed hope for strengthening the historical ties between the two countries.

Al-Shabani announced that he had received the invitation officially from Saudi Minister Faisal bin Farhan two days before the visit. The visit coincided with the arrival of the first cargo plane carrying Saudi humanitarian aid to Damascus International Airport, loaded with 28 tons of medical and relief supplies, while vehicles from the Syrian Red Crescent were prepared to receive the shipment.

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, advisor in the royal court and supervisor general of the King Salman Relief Center, noted that this humanitarian initiative would be followed by additional relief efforts via the land bridge in the coming days, aiming to meet the urgent needs of the Syrian people.

In a related context, Ahmed Al-Shara, the leader of the new Syrian administration, received a high-level Saudi delegation on the 23rd of last month. He affirmed in statements that Saudi Arabia has laid out bold development plans that align with Syria's aspirations, expressing pride in Saudi Arabia's role in supporting stability and economic development in the region.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Al-Shara emphasized the importance of transitioning from revolutionary dimensions to working on state-building, a vision that aligns with Saudi Arabia's approach, which regards Syria's stability as a strategic opportunity.

Al-Shara expressed hope that Syria would benefit from the economic expertise of the Kingdom and other countries to enhance development and sustainability in the country.

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