Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani will visit Saudi Arabia for his first official trip abroad. The visit aims to strengthen relations and is a sign of goodwill in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow. Regional leaders, including Kuwait’s foreign minister, are also expressing openness to re-engagement and potential aid to Syria’s new interim government.
Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, has announced his first official trip abroad, accepting an invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah to visit Saudi Arabia. During his visit, scheduled for the first week of the new year, al-Shibani expressed his honor to represent Syria and the desire to strengthen relations with the kingdom. His remarks underscore a gesture of goodwill aimed at reinstating Syria’s position in the region post-Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Al-Shibani, who took office on December 21 under Syria’s interim government after the overthrow of al-Assad, highlighted the significance of building strategic relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He also urged Kuwait to resume diplomatic relations following al-Assad’s fall, a sentiment echoed during a press conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart. The growing diplomatic interactions following Assad’s ousting reflect shifting regional dynamics where Gulf Arab states, previously critical of Syria’s past administration, express openness towards engagement and investment in Syria’s recovery efforts.
During the same press conference, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya signaled ongoing discussions about regional cooperation and a reconsideration of sanctions against Syria. Additionally, he confirmed Kuwait’s appeal for urgent humanitarian aid to Syria. This visit is notable amid the backdrop of a renewed interest by Sunni Arab states in re-establishing ties with Syria, highlighting the implications of al-Assad’s removal on regional foreign policy.
The article discusses the diplomatic developments involving Syria following the recent overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces. Syria’s new interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani is taking proactive steps to rebuild international relationships, particularly with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, signaling a significant shift in the foreign policy landscape. After years of isolation due to the prior regime’s alliances with Iran and Russia, Arab nations appear eager to re-engage with Syria, highlighting a potential path toward recovery and investment. The backdrop of these changes includes Al-Assad’s ousting on December 8, which has altered the dynamics of the region’s political relationships.
In summary, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani is set to embark on his inaugural international trip to Saudi Arabia, marking a turning point in Syria’s diplomatic relations after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The warmth of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait towards the new administration reflects a broader intention among Gulf countries to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community and support its recovery efforts. These developments indicate a significant shift towards collaboration in the region amidst evolving political landscapes.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
