Syria’s Foreign Minister is set to visit the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan to bolster partnerships for stability, recovery, and investment following the al-Assad family’s downfall. The government is eager for Gulf support to rebuild after years of conflict, with Saudi Arabia poised as a key player in the reconstruction process. Al-Shaibani also addresses border tensions with Lebanon while advocating for humanitarian cooperation.
The Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, has announced his upcoming visits to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan this week, following his initial foreign trip to Saudi Arabia. In a recent social media update, al-Shaibani emphasized the objectives of his trip, which include enhancing stability, security, and economic recovery while fostering strong partnerships with Gulf nations. The Syrian government, recently transitioned after the end of the al-Assad family’s lengthy rule, is actively seeking investments from affluent Gulf states to assist in the reconstruction of infrastructure ravaged by over a decade of conflict.
Notably, Saudi Arabia is poised to take a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction efforts. Al-Shaibani led a high-ranking delegation to Riyadh, which included the newly appointed defense minister and intelligence director. Concurrently, a Saudi delegation, composed of representatives from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, visited Damascus to discuss humanitarian and medical cooperation with Syrian Health Minister Maher al-Sharaa. This engagement underlines the urgency of revitalizing Syria’s healthcare system, which has deteriorated extensively due to ongoing war and endemic corruption.
Additionally, Minister al-Sharaa reached out to Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to address recent border tensions following clashes between soldiers and Syrian gunmen. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to restore calm on the 375-kilometer border. Al-Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, has formally invited Mikati to visit Damascus to explore shared interests between the two neighboring countries. Such diplomatic efforts reveal a broader push by Syria’s new administration to stabilize the region while seeking to rejuvenate its economy and vital services.
According to assessments of Syria’s political landscape, the recent change in leadership marked a critical moment for the nation as the al-Assad family’s prolonged rule concluded, paving the way for a government comprised of former rebels. This transition has catalyzed the current administration’s outreach to Gulf states for investment and support, vital for reconstruction goals after years of war. Rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure and healthcare systems forms a central agenda for the new government while establishing partnerships with key regional players such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
In conclusion, the visits by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani to vital Gulf nations aim to forge strong partnerships for stability and economic recovery in post-conflict Syria. The involvement of Saudi Arabia signals a pivotal shift in the region’s approach to Syria’s reconstruction, alongside critical discussions addressing humanitarian needs and border security with Lebanon. As the new Syrian government seeks to revitalize the country, their diplomatic efforts are crucial for both immediate and long-term recovery.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
