Syrian Delegation Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Historic First Visit by New Regime
Syrian Delegation Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Historic First Visit by New Regime
A high-level Syrian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking the first official visit by the new Syrian authorities since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in early December, according to official media reports.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, and the head of General Intelligence Anas Khattab, touched down in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This visit follows an invitation from the Saudi Foreign Minister.
The Syrian delegation was welcomed by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
On the same day
Saudi authorities announced the initiation of an air bridge to Syria, carrying humanitarian aid including medical, food, and shelter supplies to alleviate the harsh conditions faced by Syrians. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) highlighted that “King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center dispatched the first batch of Saudi relief aid for the Syrian people from King Khalid International Airport, aimed at reducing the impact of the current difficult situation in Syria.”
Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervising general of the center, stated that:
“The air relief bridge launched today will be followed by a land bridge in the coming days to
provide urgent relief to our Syrian brothers.”
This visit reciprocates a high-level Saudi governmental delegation’s visit to Damascus at the end
of last month, where they met with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the supreme leader of the new Syrian
administration, known as “Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani.”
The Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011, along with subsequent sanctions, has led to the
collapse of the Syrian healthcare system. Last week, officials from the World Health Organization
noted that “about half of Syria’s hospitals are out of service.”
This article reflects the ongoing developments in Syrian-Saudi diplomatic and humanitarian
efforts, highlighting both the political and humanitarian aspects of the relationship. The visit not
only signifies a thaw in relations but also underscores the urgent need for aid in war-torn Syria.
