Saudi Arabia pledges support for Syria’s recovery in first high-level visit since Assad’s fall

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed Al Sharaa in Damascus on Thursday, in the first high-level Saudi visit to Syria since the fall of Bashar Al Assad.

The meeting, held at the People’s Palace, focused on supporting Syria’s recovery and the potential removal of sanctions.

Discussions centered on enhancing Syria’s security, stability, and unity. Both sides emphasized the importance of expediting measures to lift sanctions and advance political, humanitarian, and economic support for the war-torn nation.

Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to helping Syria’s recovery, stating at a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani that the Kingdom is engaging with international stakeholders on lifting sanctions. He noted that recent discussions had yielded positive signals.

“Syria can reclaim its position in the region if Syrians unite,” Prince Faisal said, stressing the importance of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He also highlighted the need to bolster Syria’s economy and praised the efforts of the new Syrian administration.