Sun Feb 02 10:03:40 UTC 2025: ## Syria’s Interim President Makes First Trip Abroad to Saudi Arabia, Signaling Shift from Iran

**Dubai, February 2, 2025** – Syria’s interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first international trip on Sunday, traveling to Saudi Arabia. The visit is seen as a significant move signaling Damascus’ attempt to distance itself from Iran and forge closer ties with the West.

Al-Sharaa, who once had ties to al-Qaeda, arrived in Riyadh alongside Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, on a Saudi jet. The trip was heavily publicized by Saudi state television, highlighting the symbolic nature of al-Sharaa choosing Riyadh for his inaugural foreign visit.

This marks a dramatic shift in regional alliances. Saudi Arabia previously backed insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, following a decisive military offensive led by al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in December, the political landscape has changed. While HTS once had al-Qaeda links, it has since publicly denounced them.

Al-Sharaa’s government has actively worked to improve its international image, including appointing women to government positions and maintaining ties with Syria’s diverse populations. A key aspect of this strategy is maintaining distance from both Iran and Russia, with Iran yet to reopen its embassy in Damascus.

The visit aims to reassure the West and secure the lifting of crippling sanctions imposed on Syria. Rebuilding the war-torn nation will require hundreds of billions of dollars. Saudi Arabia, which restored ties with Assad in 2023, is actively engaged in dialogue to facilitate the removal of these sanctions. This aligns with the Saudi foreign minister’s January visit to Damascus.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, Syria continues to face internal challenges. A car bomb exploded in Manbij on Saturday, killing and injuring civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing instability in the region. The visit by al-Sharaa could be a pivotal moment in Syria’s attempts to reshape its international standing and secure a path towards recovery.

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