The Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on Thursday met with a high-ranking delegation representing the new Syrian administration, at his office in Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Syrian delegation included the Foreign Minister, Asaad bin Hassan Al-Shaibani; the Defense Minister, Major General Marhaf Abu Qasra; and Chief of the General Intelligence Service, Anas Khattab.
Supporting Syria’s Stability
During the meeting, officials discussed the latest developments in Syria. They also explored ways to support the transitional political process to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability, security and unity.
Moreover, Prince Khalid bin Salman described the meeting as “productive,” emphasizing support for the Syrian people and Syria‘s stability.
Met with the New Syrian Administration's Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, and Intelligence Chief. We discussed developments in Syria and explored ways to support the transitional political process in achieving the Syrian people's aspirations for security, stability, and unity. pic.twitter.com/DPhnloQNe3
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) January 2, 2025
Several Saudi senior officials attended the meeting, including the Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan; the Deputy Defense Minister, Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed; and the Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan.
Syrian Delegation in Riyadh
The Syrian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night. The Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister, Waleed Al-Khuraiji, received the delegation at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Earlier, Al-Shibani wrote on X that he had accepted an invitation from his counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to visit Saudi Arabia. This marks Al-Shibani’s first foreign trip since he assumed office.
Praising Saudi Efforts
In December 2024, a Saudi delegation, led by an adviser from the Royal Court, met with the leader of Syria’s new administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Damascus.
Al-Sharaa praised Saudi Arabia’s support and pivotal role in shaping the future of Syria in a recent interview with Al-Arabiya TV. “Saudi Arabia has a crucial role in shaping Syria’s future, and I deeply appreciate everything it has done for us,” he said.
Furthermore, he also expressed admiration for the Kingdom’s rapid progress under Vision 2030, hoping that Syria could follow a similar path, according to his remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat.
