Al-Sharaa's first foreign visit as Syria's transitional head to KSA
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The Syrian Presidency announced that Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the transitional administration, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for his first foreign visit since the fall of the Assad regime.
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Head of the transitional government in Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in a private plane, heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on February 2, 2025. (Syrian Presidency)
The Syrian presidency announced that Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the transitional administration, has traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for his first foreign visit since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
The Syrian presidency shared a photo on social media of al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani sitting together in what appeared to be a private plane.
Saudi sources have reported that al-Sharaa is set to visit Riyadh for private and official meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, shortly after the Emir of Qatar’s visit to Damascus.
A few days ago, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their congratulations to al-Sharaa following his appointment as Syria's interim president, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency on January 30.
The Saudi King conveyed his "sincere wishes" to the newly named transitional leader, expressing hope that al-Sharaa will guide Syria toward a bright future.
Similarly, the Crown Prince offered his best wishes, stating that he hoped al-Sharaa would successfully "lead his country towards a bright future and achieve further progress and prosperity for Syrians." Additionally, the Saudi government extended well-wishes to the Syrian people, expressing hopes for "more progress and well-being."
Al-Sharaa assumes presidency
Al-Sharaa outlined Damascus's current priorities on January 29. He said priorities include filling the power vacuum, maintaining civil peace, building state institutions, and developing an economic infrastructure.
During a meeting with military operations factions, al-Sharaa emphasized that "what Syria needs today, more than ever, is the determination to build and develop."
Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani highlighted that Syria is pursuing a purposeful and multi-dimensional foreign policy aimed at reassuring the international community and clarifying its vision.
Al-Shibani stated that "the primary goal of foreign policy is to contribute to creating a regional and international environment characterized by mutual cooperation and respect."
