Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani will visit Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan to secure investments for rebuilding the war-torn country, following his recent trip to Saudi Arabia. His statements reflect the new government’s eagerness to establish diplomatic relations with Gulf states for economic recovery and stability.
On Friday, Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, announced his intention to undertake official visits to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan within the week. This comes on the heels of his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, which marked his first official engagement in his new role. The Syrian government is keen on securing investments from the affluent Gulf nations to aid in the reconstruction of the nation’s war-torn infrastructure and to revitalize its economy, devastated over a decade of conflict.
In his statement on X, al-Shaibani expressed hope that these visits would yield beneficial outcomes in terms of stability, security, economic recovery, and fostering robust partnerships. Earlier in the week, he led a high-ranking delegation to Riyadh that included key members of the new administration, such as the defense minister and intelligence chief, marking a significant diplomatic effort since the recent governmental transition.
This series of visits highlights the new leadership’s desire to re-establish diplomatic relations with neighboring countries following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad last month. The visit to Saudi Arabia was significant as a Saudi delegation had previously met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader and head of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, responsible for the rebellion that led to Assad’s removal. Al-Sharaa has indicated that Saudi Arabia will play a pivotal role in Syria’s future and emphasized the potential for substantial investment opportunities from neighboring nations.
The backdrop of these diplomatic activities is rooted in the extensive turmoil and devastation that Syria has endured over the last decade due to civil war. The international community, particularly countries in the Gulf, have been pivotal in shaping the region’s geopolitical landscape. The new Syrian leadership, which rose after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, is actively seeking to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and stabilize the economy, hence the emphasis on establishing and strengthening ties with Gulf states known for their financial resources. : The recent political shift in Syria represents a broader change in dynamics, prompting a re-evaluation of strategies among neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has expressed a newfound willingness to engage with the new Syrian order as a means of influencing its trajectory and contributing to regional stability.
In summary, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is embarking on important diplomatic visits to Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, with the objective of securing investment for Syria’s reconstruction and economic revitalization. The visits come shortly after a significant delegation trip to Saudi Arabia, reflecting the new government’s push to foster partnerships and stability in the region following the recent political changes. The future role of Gulf states in the rebuilding of Syria seems promising, as articulated by Syrian leadership members.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
