“Kingdom Boundaries: Syrian Delegation’s Historic Saudi Stop Signals New Era in Ties”
Syrian Delegation Arrives in Riyadh for Historic Talks with Saudi Arabia
A high-level Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Assad Shabani, has arrived in Riyadh for its first official trip abroad since Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebels last month. The team, which includes Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and intelligence chief Anas Khattab, was greeted by Waleed Elkhereiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia.
The visit marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia, which has been strained since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Saudi Arabia has welcomed Assad several times over the past two years, re-engaging with the dictator for the first time since the start of the war.
The Syrian delegation held talks with Prince Khalid bin Salman, the crown prince’s brother and Saudi Defense Minister, to explore ways to support the transitional political process. Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized the importance of stabilizing Syria and supporting the country’s people, stating, “It is time for Syria to stabilize, rise and benefit from its resources, the most important of which is the brotherly Syrian people. May God protect Syria from all evil.”
The visit comes at the formal invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has sent three planes of humanitarian aid to Syria, including food, shelter, and medical supplies. The delegation also met with other senior Saudi Arabian officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Intelligence Director Khalid Humaidan, and Chief of General Staff General Fayez al-Ruwaali.
The meeting demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to opening a new chapter of constructive regional cooperation and its willingness to engage with the new Syrian government. The country has been working to provide more aid to Syria and has called on the international community to reconsider sanctions imposed on the country.
The visit also comes as Arab states are concerned about further conflict and political instability in the region, following devastating wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Gulf states are also keen to reduce the smuggling of Captagon and other illicit drugs from Syria.
In related news, Kuwait Foreign Minister Abdullah Yahya and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Boudaiwi met with Syria’s de facto ruler Ahmed al-Shala, calling on the international community to reconsider sanctions imposed on Syria. Yahya emphasized the importance of opening a new chapter of constructive regional cooperation and valued the response of the new Syrian government to these efforts.
Qatar, which has previously resisted efforts to restore Assad’s power and return him to the Arab state, also sent a high-level delegation to Syria last week. The visit marks a significant shift in Qatar’s stance on Syria and demonstrates its willingness to engage with the new government.
In an interview with the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya news channel, Syria’s new leader, Salalah, who uses the pseudonym Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, indicated that Saudi Arabia “will definitely play an important role in the future of Syria.” He also stated that there were “huge investment opportunities” as the country sought to rebuild its economy after more than a decade of devastating civil war.
The visit marks a significant step forward in the relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates the country’s commitment to opening a new chapter of constructive regional cooperation. As the country seeks to rebuild its economy and stabilize its political situation, the visit is seen as a crucial step in the country’s transition towards a more stable and prosperous future.
FAQ:
* What is the significance of the Syrian delegation’s visit to Riyadh?
The visit marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia, which has been strained since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
* What were the topics discussed during the meeting between the Syrian delegation and Saudi officials?
The topics discussed included ways to support the transitional political process, reducing the smuggling of Captagon and other illicit drugs from Syria, and providing humanitarian aid to the country.
* What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s decision to engage with the new Syrian government?
The decision demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to opening a new chapter of constructive regional cooperation and its willingness to engage with the new Syrian government.
* What is the significance of Qatar’s decision to send a high-level delegation to Syria?
The visit marks a significant shift in Qatar’s stance on Syria and demonstrates its willingness to engage with the new government.
Conclusion:
The visit of the Syrian delegation to Riyadh marks a significant step forward in the relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia. The meeting demonstrates the country’s commitment to opening a new chapter of constructive regional cooperation and its willingness to engage with the new Syrian government. As the country seeks to rebuild its economy and stabilize its political situation, the visit is seen as a crucial step in the country’s transition towards a more stable and prosperous future.
