Synopsis
On January 24, Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud visited Damascus for the first time since Bashar al-Assad's ousting. He emphasized the urgent need to lift international sanctions to assist Syria's economic recovery and stability, echoed by Syria's interim FM, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani.Key Takeaways
- Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's first visit to Damascus post-Assad.
- Urgent call for lifting international sanctions on Syria.
- Emphasis on economic recovery and regional cooperation.
- Support for Syria's reintegration into the Arab League.
- Recent diplomatic efforts to rebuild ties with regional powers.
Damascus, Jan 24 (NationPress) Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud embarked on his inaugural visit to Damascus on Friday, following the removal of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
During a collaborative press briefing with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Faisal underscored the pressing necessity for the immediate lifting of international sanctions on Syria. He contended that such action is crucial for the nation's economic rehabilitation and enduring stability.
Al-Shibani voiced profound gratitude for Saudi Arabia's longstanding commitment to assist the Syrian populace and urged Arab nations to extend further support to Syria to facilitate the restoration of its economy.
"We aim to participate in a collective Arab initiative that promotes economic diversification," he remarked, emphasizing the critical nature of lifting sanctions to confront the nation's economic hurdles.
Both ministers highlighted the importance of Syria's reintegration into the Arab League, perceiving it as a vital chance to enhance investment and cultivate regional collaboration, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia's dedication to aiding Syria, stating, "We must collaborate to remove sanctions in a manner that encourages investment to return to Syria."
During his visit, Faisal also held discussions with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's effective leader. His previous trip to Damascus in April 2023 was marked by a historic encounter with Assad, signaling the conclusion of over a decade of strained diplomatic relations.
The recent governmental transition in Syria last month has triggered a surge of diplomatic engagements. Delegations from Turkey and Qatar have visited Damascus, while al-Shibani has traveled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. These initiatives aim to mend relationships with regional powers and advocate for the removal of Western sanctions.
