by Hummam Sheikh Ali

 

DAMASCUS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Saudi side, Syria's interim Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad al-Shaibani made the first official visit abroad of the new interim government earlier this week.

 

Accompanied by a few other senior officials, al-Shaibani spent two days in Riyadh, marking a historic re-engagement between Damascus and one of the most influential Arab states.

 

This visit is mutually important for both Saudi Arabia and the new Syrian interim leadership, analysts have said.

 

SAUDI ARABIA'S DUAL SIGNIFICANCE

 

Mohammad al-Omari, a Syrian political analyst, describes Saudi Arabia as holding a "dual significance" on the Arab and Islamic fronts. As it wields considerable political and economic influence across the Middle East, "Saudi Arabia possesses the capability to establish a strategic balance in Syria, encompassing both political and economic dimensions," he noted.

 

Thus, recognizing the kingdom's role is critical for Syria's transitional leadership. Al-Shaibani's visit signaled a willingness to reset relations with a country that can shape regional consensus, potentially reassuring both Arab and Muslim-majority neighbors about Damascus's new direction after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, said the analyst.

 

Saudi Arabia's financial strength and its capacity to mobilize Gulf resources are also major draws for Damascus. After the visit, al-Shaibani highlighted the need to launch an economic development plan that encourages investment and fosters strategic partnerships, while Defense Minister Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab also met with top Saudi officials to discuss potential reconstruction ventures.

 

"Gulf money is closely tied to decisions made by Saudi Arabia, especially when it comes to reconstruction and improving living conditions. The new Syrian leadership needs these resources to stabilize the country," said al-Omari.

 

SEEKING REGIONAL BALANCE, STABILITY

 

For Saudi Arabia, reaching out to new Syrian leadership is an important step to strengthen its ties with Syria and balance the regional stability.

 

"It's not just about trade or investment; it's about ensuring that Syria's new government doesn't become overly dependent on one regional power," said al-Omari.

 

Syria also seeks a stable environment in the post-Assad era, as al-Shaibani emphasized during the visit that it is important to forge a political environment conducive to "security, stability, and prosperity" in tandem with Arab partners.

 

He said Syria aims to play "a positive role in the region," a statement that aligns with efforts to rebuild trust among neighboring countries concerned about the potential risks of extremist activities or renewed conflicts.

 

THE ROAD AHEAD

 

While the meeting in Riyadh marks an important milestone, observers caution that real progress depends on various factors, including international aid, political reconciliation, and security arrangements that address lingering factional tensions.

 

In remarks during her first visit to Syria on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for an inclusive transition that respects the rights of all citizens in Syria, making clear that the European Union will not fund Islamist entities in the country.

 

"We encouraged our interlocutors to draw on the UN experience and support for this politically inclusive process," Baerbock said.

 

She stressed that any future Syrian government must integrate every segment of society, including women and ethnic minorities, into the political process.