Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to visit Saudi Arabia for first foreign trip

Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani are traveling to Saudi Arabia today for their first official foreign visit since assuming office.

The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between Syria and Saudi Arabia, as Sharaa is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).

During the trip, Sharaa also plans to perform Umrah in the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

The presidency has shared an image on X of Sharaa and his foreign minister on board, accompanied by the caption “President Sharaa and Asaad al-Shaibani travel to Saudi Arabia, first official visit”.

It is understood that the Syrian authorities are seeking to secure financial support from Gulf countries for the reconstruction of their nation, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.

On Thursday, Damascus received Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who “stressed the urgent need to form a government representing all spectrums” of Syrian society in order “to consolidate stability and move forward with reconstruction, development and prosperity projects”.

According to Damascus, the two sides discussed reconstruction. The new Syrian authorities have been receiving a steady stream of diplomatic visitors since the toppling of Assad in December.

Syrian leader has arrived in Saudi Arabia

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday for his first international visit since the toppling of Bashar al-Assad last year, as reported by Saudi state media.

Accompanied by his Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Sharaa was greeted by Saudi officials as he disembarked, as shown in images from the state television outlet Al-Ekhbariya. The broadcaster stated that Sharaa was expected to meet with the de facto Saudi ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, without specifying a time for the meeting.