Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in the Saudi capital Tuesday October, 28 for a high-profile visit aimed at deepening political coordination and expanding economic cooperation between Damascus and Riyadh. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and a senior ministerial delegation, the president is attending the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), a global forum drawing heads of state, business leaders, and investors.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Sharaa will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman during the visit to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing coordination in regional stability, trade, and investment. The visit marks Sharaa’s third trip to the Kingdom since assuming office, underscoring the growing momentum in Syrian-Saudi ties since Syria’s return to the Arab fold.
Meetings Signal Strategic Cooperation
Earlier Tuesday, Sharaa met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef. The talks, attended by Shaibani, focused on expanding joint cooperation across economic, political, and security domains. In statements released by the Syrian Presidency, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting regional stability and sustainable development.
Wael Alwan, a researcher at the Jusoor Center for Studies, told Al-Ikhbariyah TV that the visit represents “a continuation of coordination between Damascus and Riyadh to accelerate Syria’s stability and reintegration into the Arab world.” Alwan noted that post-war Syria has shifted from being a regional security concern to a potential “strategic ally for countries investing in regional prosperity.”
Muhammad Zakwan Koukeh of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies described the visit as “a consolidation of Syria’s restored role in the Arab community,” emphasizing that it aims to transform political understandings into tangible development partnerships.
‘A Historic Step Forward’
The Syrian delegation’s arrival coincides with the Saudi-Syrian investment roundtable held Monday in Riyadh, where Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih announced new initiatives to boost cooperation. Falih called the bilateral investment protection agreement “a historic step,” saying it will create “a stable and attractive investment environment” between the two nations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
He also revealed that joint efforts between the Saudi Central Bank and the Central Bank of Syria made progress toward enabling direct bank transfers, a move expected to facilitate trade and enhance investor confidence. Falih confirmed plans to launch several investment funds in Syria, including the Saudi “Elaph” Fund, which will finance large-scale projects in infrastructure, energy, and communications.
Syria’s Road to Reconstruction
With the World Bank estimating Syria’s reconstruction costs at $216 billion, economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia could play a decisive role in rebuilding the nation. Koukeh said consistent meetings between the two sides have already begun to strengthen market confidence and reduce investment risk.
President Sharaa is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the FII conference, held under the theme “The Key to Prosperity,” outlining Syria’s vision for reconstruction and regional integration. The event, which runs through Thursday, gathers over 8,000 participants and 650 speakers from around the world. As Syria seeks to rebuild after 14 years of conflict, its renewed partnership with Riyadh signals a broader Arab effort to transform political reconciliation into economic revival.
