Syria’s Interim President Makes First Foreign Trip to Saudi Arabia
The Media Line correspondent in Damascus confirmed that Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar will visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. This will be his first official trip abroad since assuming the presidency.
According to sources in Damascus and Riyadh, the correspondent noted, “Ahmad Al-Shar’ is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the visit.”
The visit underscores Damascus’ determination to establish strong ties with Riyadh. It comes as no surprise, given that Al-Shar’ emphasized in his first televised interview with an Arab channel his aspiration for excellent relations with Saudi Arabia.
About a month ago, Al-Shar said in a television interview: “I feel a deep affection for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” signaling his vision for a promising future relationship between Damascus and Riyadh.
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A few days ago, Ahmad Al-Shar, born in Riyadh, was inaugurated as the transitional president of Syria. In a speech to the Syrian people, he outlined the features of the upcoming phase.
Following the announcement of Al-Shar’s presidency, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated him on assuming the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional period.
The Saudi monarch and his crown prince sent a congratulatory message to President Ahmad Al-Shar, saying: “We are pleased to express our congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional period. We wish you success in leading your brotherly country toward a prosperous future that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people. We also wish you continued health and happiness and the Syrian Arab Republic further progress and prosperity.”
Saudi Arabia had previously restored relations with the former Syrian regime before the fall of Bashar Assad, after years of severed ties. However, this positive diplomatic trajectory remained limited to statements and symbolic gestures.
Riyadh extended two invitations to Bashar Assad to attend Arab League summits on its soil, stressing the importance of refugee repatriation, support for the political process, and efforts to stop drug smuggling.
Later, Riyadh was surprised to discover that Bashar Assad was not genuinely committed to any political engagement beneficial to Syria. Instead, he maneuvered within a complex network of interests, ultimately leading to his regime’s collapse.
