Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Riyadh on Sunday for his first official foreign visit since assuming office, marking a significant step in the evolving relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia. The visit comes as Syria undergoes a transitional phase following the overthrow of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, 2024.
Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to discuss a broad range of issues, including economic cooperation, regional stability, and Syria’s political future.
“We held a long meeting during which we sensed and heard a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future, and a keenness to support the will of the Syrian people and the unity and integrity of its territories,” Sharaa said, according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). He extended his gratitude to bin Salman for the “warm reception and hosting” in Riyadh.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The meeting covered multiple areas of collaboration, with a particular focus on humanitarian and economic partnerships. Sharaa emphasized that both nations aimed to “raise the level of communication and cooperation in all areas,” with discussions centering on energy, technology, education, and health. He highlighted the goal of forging a “real partnership” that would contribute to regional peace and improve the economic conditions of the Syrian people.
Saudi state media also reported that bin Salman reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Syria’s stability and security. A statement from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) noted that the crown prince congratulated Sharaa on his presidency and expressed his hope for the success of the new Syrian administration. In attendance at the meeting were key officials from both sides, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani.
A New Chapter in Syrian-Saudi Relations
Sharaa’s visit is the latest development in the diplomatic re-engagement between Damascus and Riyadh following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship. Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to officially recognize the transitional government, with King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman sending congratulatory telegrams to Sharaa upon his appointment.
The thaw in relations follows years of strained ties between the two nations, particularly during Syria’s revolution. The new Syrian administration, which has taken steps to restructure the country’s political and military institutions — including dissolving the previous security apparatus and the Baath Party — has signaled a shift toward broader regional cooperation.
Vision 2030 & Economic Prospects
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious economic reform plan, was also a focal point of discussions. According to Syrian Interior Minister Ali Kada, Sharaa’s administration is keen on attracting Saudi investment and leveraging Riyadh’s expertise in economic development and reconstruction.
“Syria looks forward to becoming a key destination for Saudi investors,” Kada said, adding that both nations are also coordinating on regional security matters, including efforts to combat drug smuggling.
As part of the visit, the Syrian delegation toured the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), where officials briefed them on the kingdom’s advancements in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The visit underscored the potential for technological collaboration between the two countries.
Regional Implications
Analysts view the decision to make Riyadh the first foreign destination for Syria’s new leadership as a significant geopolitical signal. The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping Syria’s post-Assad future and highlights the kingdom’s strategic role in the region.
Following the fall of the Assad regime, Damascus has witnessed a resurgence in diplomatic activity, including the recent visit of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — another sign of Syria’s reintegration into the Arab fold.
Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s transition, with expectations that continued engagement with Gulf nations will play a crucial role in the country’s reconstruction and political stabilization.
