Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s newly appointed interim president, embarked on his first international visit since taking power by meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
The visit signals a potential shift in Syria’s regional alliances and underscores the role of Saudi Arabia in shaping the future of the war-torn nation.
With Saudi Arabia being one of the most influential actors in the Arab world, this meeting has profound implications for Syria’s diplomatic reintegration, economic revival, and regional stability.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties and Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Role
Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh represents a significant step in Syria’s post-war diplomacy. Having led the Islamist faction that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December, Sharaa is now at the forefront of efforts to rebuild Syria and re-establish its international standing. His selection of Saudi Arabia as the first destination for a state visit underscores the kingdom’s importance in Syria’s future trajectory.
Saudi Arabia has historically played a crucial role in shaping Middle Eastern politics. In recent years, it has actively worked towards reintegrating Syria into the Arab world, particularly following the fall of Assad.
Riyadh’s interest in a stable Syria aligns with its broader regional strategy—minimizing Iranian influence and ensuring security along its borders. Iran, which was a long-time ally of Assad, has been sidelined in the new political equation, allowing Saudi Arabia to take center stage in shaping Syria’s future.
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The presence of Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani during the visit further highlights the diplomatic significance of the meeting. While specific details of the discussions between Sharaa and Mohammed bin Salman remain undisclosed, it is widely believed that they focused on economic cooperation, reconstruction efforts, and regional security.
📹 Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Syrian interim president Ahmed Sharaa, who arrived to Riyadh on his first foreign trip for two days to discuss closer relations between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/Hxf3izCQNn
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 2, 2025
Sharaa’s previous statements regarding Saudi Arabia’s role in Syria’s rebuilding indicate that the kingdom is expected to play a leading role in funding infrastructure projects and restoring essential services in the war-ravaged country.
Economic Cooperation and Saudi Investments in Syria
Syria’s economic devastation, a result of years of civil war and international sanctions, poses a significant challenge for the new administration.
Sharaa’s leadership is seeking financial aid and investment from Gulf nations, with Saudi Arabia being a prime candidate. The kingdom’s vast financial resources and experience in regional development make it a natural partner in Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
In an interview with Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya in December, Sharaa emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia’s investment in Syria’s rebuilding process.
He described it as a “great opportunity for investment” and expressed confidence that Riyadh would play a “critical role” in the country’s economic revival. The meeting with Mohammed bin Salman likely served as a platform for advancing discussions on economic assistance and potential business collaborations.
Saudi Arabia’s interests in Syria extend beyond financial investments. Stabilizing Syria is in Riyadh’s best interests, as it would curb illegal drug trafficking networks that have long destabilized the region.
The illicit captagon trade, which flourished under Assad’s rule, has been a major concern for Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia. By supporting Syria’s economic revival and strengthening border controls, Riyadh aims to eliminate drug smuggling routes and reinforce security in the region.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Syria’s reconstruction could help it exert influence over the country’s new administration, ensuring that Syria aligns itself with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) policies.
This could also lead to further normalization of ties between Damascus and Western nations, particularly as Saudi Arabia continues lobbying for the easing of international sanctions on Syria.
Regional Implications and Shifting Alliances
Sharaa’s visit and Saudi Arabia’s active role in Syria mark a notable shift in the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. Historically, Saudi Arabia and Iran have backed opposing sides in the Syrian conflict, with Riyadh supporting rebel factions and Tehran providing extensive military aid to Assad. With Assad’s departure and Iran’s diminishing influence, Saudi Arabia now has an opportunity to reassert itself in Syria’s affairs.
The meeting also comes against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s broader regional ambitions. The kingdom has been working to establish itself as a leader in the Arab world, balancing its relations with global powers while shaping regional policies. By taking the lead in Syria’s reintegration, Riyadh strengthens its position as a central player in Middle Eastern politics.
Despite Saudi Arabia and Iran restoring diplomatic ties in 2023, the two regional powers remain at odds over several geopolitical issues, including Syria.
Riyadh’s ability to distance Damascus from Tehran serves as a strategic win, further limiting Iran’s regional influence. Additionally, by actively engaging in Syria’s rebuilding process, Saudi Arabia could deter other foreign powers from filling the vacuum left by Assad’s ouster.
Syria, on the other hand, is also pressing for the removal of international sanctions, which have crippled its economy for decades. These restrictions, initially imposed by the United States in 1979 when Syria was labeled a “state sponsor of terrorism,” were significantly expanded during the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, recently visited Damascus and pledged Riyadh’s support in lobbying for the lifting of these sanctions. If successful, this could accelerate Syria’s economic recovery and pave the way for stronger diplomatic ties with the international community.
Additionally, the visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Damascus further signals increasing diplomatic engagement with Syria.
Qatar, which had previously opposed Assad, now appears willing to support a government that includes representation from various factions of Syrian society. The meeting between Sharaa and the Qatari leader suggests that Syria’s new administration is actively working to establish broader regional partnerships.
Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman mark a turning point in Syria’s diplomatic and economic future.
With Assad gone, the new Syrian leadership is actively seeking regional partnerships to stabilize the country and rebuild its economy. Saudi Arabia, as the Arab world’s largest economy and a key geopolitical player, is positioned to play a crucial role in shaping Syria’s trajectory.
Economic cooperation, security concerns, and geopolitical alignments are at the core of the discussions between Syria and Saudi Arabia.
By investing in Syria’s reconstruction, Riyadh not only strengthens its influence in the region but also secures a more stable Middle East. Additionally, the distancing of Syria from Iran further enhances Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning.
As diplomatic engagements continue, the international community will closely watch the unfolding developments. Syria’s reintegration into the Arab world and the easing of sanctions could redefine its future, while Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping this transformation solidifies its leadership in regional affairs.
The meeting between Sharaa and Mohammed bin Salman is only the beginning of what could be a significant realignment in Middle Eastern politics.
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