Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa embarks on first foreign visit

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa is making his first official foreign visit since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, arriving in Saudi Arabia today for a two-day diplomatic trip.

According to Syrian sources, Al-Sharaa's visit will focus on key bilateral issues aimed at strengthening relations between the two nations. This visit follows the Syrian administration's recent announcement appointing Al-Sharaa as the country's leader during the transitional phase.

The new administration has undertaken a series of significant measures, including dissolving armed factions and security agencies affiliated with the former regime, dismantling the Syrian parliament and the long-dominant Baath Party, and annulling the previous constitution.

On Thursday, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent congratulatory messages to President Al-Sharaa, wishing him success in his new role, according to Saudi Arabia's official news agency, SPA.

Riyadh is Al-Sharaa's first international destination as president, following a visit earlier this month by Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, to the Saudi capital.

In a related development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Damascus last Friday, affirming Saudi Arabia’s support for the new Syrian administration, particularly in efforts to lift Western sanctions imposed on Syria.

As part of its humanitarian support for the Syrian people, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center launched an air bridge in early January, sending two relief planes loaded with food, shelter supplies, and medical aid to Syria amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis.

The previous Syrian regime collapsed on Dec. 8, 2024 after opposition factions seized control of Damascus and other major cities, marking the end of 61 years of Baath Party rule, including 53 years of Assad family leadership.