Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is set to visit Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan to seek investment for rebuilding the economy, following a prior visit to Saudi Arabia. These trips highlight the new administration’s initiative to establish diplomatic relations and economic partnerships after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has announced plans for official visits to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan this week, following his inaugural trip to Saudi Arabia since assuming office. These excursions come amid the Syrian Interim Authorities’ push for investments from affluent Gulf nations to support the reconstruction of the nation’s severely damaged infrastructure and to revitalize its economy, which has suffered extensive harm due to over a decade of conflict.
In a statement shared on X, Minister al-Shaibani expressed optimism regarding the potential outcomes of these visits, stating, “We look forward to these visits contributing to support stability, security, economic recovery, and building distinguished partnerships.” Earlier this week, he led a prominent delegation to Riyadh that included the defense minister and the intelligence chief, marking a significant step in the foreign relations of Syria’s new leadership. This trip was notable as it represented the first foreign engagement by the new administration since the recent political transition, in which President Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power.
Additionally, a Saudi delegation had previously met with the new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, reinforcing the changing dynamics in the region. Sharaa, who heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group responsible for the recent ouster of Assad, noted in a recent interview that Saudi Arabia is poised to play a pivotal role in Syria’s future, highlighting the substantial investment opportunities available for neighboring countries.
The context of these diplomatic engagements stems from a crucial juncture for Syria following the recent change in leadership. The Syrian Interim Authorities have been actively seeking external support for rebuilding efforts after enduring years of civil strife that have resulted in significant devastation of infrastructure and economic collapse. Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, are viewed as potential partners for investment and support, given their substantial financial resources and vested interests in regional stability. Furthermore, the historical backdrop of Syria’s political landscape, marked by the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, sets the stage for new alliances and cooperation among neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the planned visits by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan signify a crucial phase in Syria’s diplomatic relations aimed at fostering investments and rebuilding the war-torn economy. The foreign minister’s optimistic statements reflect a broader strategy to engage Gulf nations in stabilizing and revitalizing Syria’s future. As the new leadership establishes its foreign policy, the involvement of regional powers, particularly Saudi Arabia, remains critical for Syria’s recovery and political restructuring.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
