A high-level Syrian delegation arrived in Riyadh this week, marking the first foreign visit by the new Syrian administration since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The trip shows the deepening ties between the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as the two nations work to rebuild relations and collaborate on Syria’s recovery.
The Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, included Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Service (GIS) head Anas Khattab. The visit follows an official invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. In a tweet upon his arrival in Riyadh, Al-Shaibani called the trip “a new and bright page in Syrian-Saudi relations” and emphasized the historical ties between the two nations.
Diplomatic Engagement & Strategic Support
During the delegation’s visit, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with Syrian officials to discuss regional stability and the transitional political process in Syria. “The time has come for Syria to witness a new phase of stability and progress,” bin Salman said in a post on the X platform.
The discussions also focused on preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting the aspirations of the Syrian people. The Saudi Defense Minister praised the Syrian administration’s shift toward stability and development, a move echoed by STG General Commander Ahmad al-Sharaa in a December interview with Al-Arabiya.
Humanitarian Aid to Syria
Coinciding with the delegation’s visit, Saudi Arabia intensified its humanitarian support for Syria. On Thursday, the third Saudi relief plane operated by the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid landed at Damascus International Airport. The airlift began earlier this week and has delivered over 56 tons of medical, food, and shelter supplies.
“This aid is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to standing with the Syrian people during this critical time,” Saudi media outlet Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Additional trucks carrying fuel are expected to arrive soon, addressing Syria’s acute energy crisis following the cessation of oil supplies from Iran and Iraq.
Advisor to the Royal Court and King Salman Center Supervisor Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah described the relief bridge as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to bring Syria toward “early recovery and then reconstruction.”
An Era of Cooperation
The visit comes less than a month after the STG assumed power, ending Assad’s decades-long rule. Saudi Arabia, which had hosted Assad at Arab summits in 2023, has since shifted its focus to supporting the new administration.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, in an earlier interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, praised the KSA’s bold developmental vision and expressed hope that Syria could benefit from its economic expertise. “There are many intersections with what we aspire to, whether in economic or developmental cooperation,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support Syria have also extended to diplomatic circles. An Arab diplomat revealed plans for the Arab League to send a special envoy to Damascus to establish communication with the new administration and various factions in the country.
Strengthening Saudi-Syrian Ties
The strengthening of Syrian-Saudi ties marks a significant step in Syria’s transition, with the KSA playing a key role in fostering stability and development. As the STG navigates the complexities of rebuilding, support from regional allies like Saudi Arabia could prove pivotal in shaping Syria’s future.
