Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s new Foreign Minister, is set to visit Saudi Arabia for his first official foreign trip, aiming to foster better relations after Bashar al-Assad’s ousting. His visit, expected in January, reflects a broader regional thawing of ties, with expressions of support and potential investments from Gulf nations as Syria seeks to recover from over a decade of conflict.
Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, has accepted an invitation from Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, his Saudi counterpart, to visit Saudi Arabia. This trip marks al-Shibani’s inaugural official foreign visit, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations following the overthrow of longtime president Bashar al-Assad. Al-Shibani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Syria and emphasized a commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties.
During a recent conference with Kuwait’s foreign minister Abdullah al-Yahya in Damascus, al-Shibani elaborated on his visit, slated for the first week of January. He encouraged Kuwait to reopen its embassy in Damascus, aligning with the broader regional movement towards re-engagement with Syria post-Assad. Al-Yahya’s mission, alongside Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, underscored the GCC’s readiness to invest in Syria’s recovery and revive diplomatic relationships that had previously soured under Assad’s regime.
This diplomatic overture follows a significant geopolitical shift post-Assad and reflects Arab nations’ willingness to reintegrate Syria into the Arab fold after years of isolation due to Assad’s reliance on support from Iran and Russia. The GCC’s renewed interest highlights a critical transitional period in Syrian politics, demonstrating regional commitments to assist Syria’s recovery, especially in vital sectors like energy, which have been extensively damaged over 13 years of civil conflict.
In a parallel development, al-Sharaa, Syria’s acting leader, recently met with Ukraine’s foreign minister, formalizing a new strategic partnership, which marks another diplomatic advance for Syria. This engagement with various nations illustrates the international community’s increasing support for Syria’s interim government, hoping to restore stability and economic viability.
The diplomatic relations between Syria and its Arab neighbors experienced significant turbulence during Bashar al-Assad’s presidency due to his government’s harsh suppression of political dissent, which led to a prolonged civil war. Following Assad’s recent overthrow, the political landscape in Syria is transforming, with new leadership emerging, as represented by al-Shibani’s appointment. The GCC’s increasing interest in Syria suggests a strategic pivot among Arab nations to reintegrate Syria following years of sanctions and diplomatic isolation, aiming to provide needed humanitarian and economic assistance as the country strives for stability.
The scheduled visit of Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to Saudi Arabia signifies an important milestone in re-establishing diplomatic ties and regional cooperation following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This visit not only represents a new chapter in Syria’s foreign relations but also underscores the GCC’s commitment to invest in Syria’s recovery. With increasing international engagement, Syria is positioned to rebuild crucial sectors and restore its role within the Arab community.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
