DUBAI: Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, in his first official visit since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, assured Saudi officials of the new administration’s commitment to forming an inclusive government representing all segments of Syrian society.
Speaking during a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh on Thursday, Al-Shibani emphasized inclusivity and economic revival as central to the new government’s vision.
“We conveyed our national vision to establish a government of partnership and efficiency that includes all Syrian components,” Al-Shibani said in a post on X. He also outlined plans for launching economic development projects aimed at fostering investment, strategic partnerships, and improved living conditions for Syrians.
The visit comes amid international scrutiny of Syria’s new leadership, led by Islamist rebels from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who overthrew Assad on December 8. Formerly affiliated with al Qaeda until severing ties in 2016, HTS has sought to present itself as a governing force that can unify the country rather than export Islamist revolution.
Saudi Arabia, a long-time backer of Syrian rebels at the start of the civil war, recently shifted toward normalizing ties with Assad’s government. This led to Syria’s reinstatement in the Arab League in 2023, part of Riyadh’s broader efforts to counter Iranian influence and curb the flow of illegal drugs like captagon from Syria.
A Saudi source close to the government underscored Riyadh’s priority of ensuring peace and stability in Syria during the transitional phase.
“At this critical juncture, our focus is on delivering essential humanitarian aid to the people of Syria, and we are exploring opportunities for expanded assistance in collaboration with regional partners,” the source said.
The meeting signals a cautious but constructive approach by Arab states toward engaging with Syria’s new leadership, balancing concerns over Islamist rule with the urgent need for stability and economic reconstruction in the war-torn country.