Mon Dec 30 19:55:42 UTC 2024: ## Syria’s New Foreign Minister to Visit Saudi Arabia Amidst Regional Re-engagement

**Damascus, Syria** – Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, announced his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards restoring Syria’s regional standing following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The visit, scheduled for the first week of January, comes at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Al-Shibani, appointed on December 21st, described the trip as a gesture of goodwill aimed at building strategic relations with Saudi Arabia. His announcement followed meetings in Damascus with high-level officials from Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya, during a joint press conference with al-Shibani, called for the reopening of Kuwait’s embassy in Damascus and a resumption of diplomatic ties. Al-Yahya’s visit, along with that of GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, signaled a broader regional openness to re-engaging with Syria’s new interim government. Both Kuwaiti officials met with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss regional cooperation and the urgent need for international aid to Syria. Al-Yahya specifically urged the international community to reconsider sanctions imposed on the country.

The flurry of diplomatic activity in Damascus underscores a shift in regional dynamics. Following years of boycott by Sunni Arab states due to al-Assad’s alliance with Iran and Russia, the new government is witnessing a surge of support and offers of investment, particularly in Syria’s war-torn energy sector. Al Jazeera reported a wave of delegations arriving in Damascus to express support for the new administration. This includes a recent visit from Ukraine’s foreign minister, who announced a new strategic partnership with Syria, shortly after Ukraine sent a shipment of wheat flour as humanitarian aid. The GCC’s involvement suggests a collective effort by Gulf states to welcome Syria back into the regional fold.

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