Syria’s foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani will visit Saudi Arabia, marking his first official trip abroad. His visit indicates Syria’s intent to strengthen ties with Gulf nations and rebuild its economy following years of conflict. Ongoing diplomatic engagements and offers of aid from Ukraine underscore the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region post-Arab Spring.
Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister, will embark on his first official international trip to Saudi Arabia in early February. He expressed his enthusiasm for the visit after receiving an invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, stating his commitment to fostering strategic relations between the two nations. The visit comes amid a recent surge in diplomatic activity, as several Arab officials have visited Syria in a bid to normalize relations following the upheaval stemming from the Arab Spring 13 years ago.
The new Syrian leadership is particularly focused on attracting investments from Gulf countries to aid in the reconstruction of Syria’s economy and infrastructure, which have been significantly damaged due to ongoing conflict. In a related development, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya visited Syria, joining officials from Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan who have recently made similar trips.
In a separate discussion, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, indicated that it may take up to four years before Syrian citizens could elect their own president. He reiterated that his governing body, the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is a temporary caretaker government and emphasized the need for law and order before transitioning to a more stable state governance.
Additionally, a Ukrainian delegation extended aid to Syria, pledging 500 tonnes of flour, highlighting a potential shift in diplomatic relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the importance of restoring diplomatic ties and fostering mutual cooperation post-Assad regime. Meanwhile, Russia continues its longstanding support for the Assad government while relocating military assets from Syria to Libya, indicating changing dynamics within the region.
The current diplomatic environment in the Middle East is marked by a renewed interest in Syrian relations, particularly following years of post-Arab Spring isolation for Syria. The Syrian government, under new leadership, is actively seeking to reconnect with Gulf nations to facilitate economic recovery. The region has been enveloped in socio-political changes, and various Arab states are recognizing the necessity of engagement with Syria to stabilize and reintegrate it within the Arab community. Additionally, the involvement of Ukraine suggests a pivot in alliances and potential collaborations as competing geopolitical interests unfold.
As Asaad Hassan al-Shibani prepares for his first visit to Saudi Arabia, it heralds a significant moment in Syrian foreign relations amid ongoing regional revitalization efforts. The diplomatic outreach towards Gulf states and the aid from Ukraine reflects a changing landscape where traditional alliances are reassessed in light of Syria’s efforts to rebuild post-conflict. As emphasized by Syrian leadership, a progressive transition towards governance and stability hinges upon internal reforms and international partnerships.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
