Sun Feb 02 15:03:29 UTC 2025: ## Syrian Leader Seeks Saudi Support in First Foreign Trip
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Syria’s newly appointed president of the transitional government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, seeking support from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for his administration. The visit, which included a meeting with MBS and other high-ranking Saudi officials, signifies a potential seismic shift in Syria’s foreign policy away from its previous alliances with Iran and Russia.
Al-Sharaa’s visit follows the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8th, after a swift military advance by the Syrian opposition. The new government is now actively seeking international legitimacy and the lifting of Western sanctions.
While the trip aims to secure Saudi support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts, concerns remain regarding al-Sharaa’s past association with al-Qaeda. Despite these concerns, the Syrian government is emphasizing its commitment to regional integration and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities.
Saudi Arabia has already expressed its willingness to engage with the international community to help lift sanctions on Syria, as evidenced by a recent visit to Damascus by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Al-Sharaa’s trip aims to further solidify this commitment and secure crucial assistance for rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure and institutions.
This visit comes on the heels of other diplomatic activity in the region, including a recent trip to Damascus by Qatar’s Emir, highlighting the changing geopolitical landscape in Syria following the regime change. Al-Sharaa himself has previously stated that Saudi Arabia will play a significant role in shaping Syria’s future.
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