Syria’s Interim President Meets Saudi Crown Prince on First Foreign Visit
RIYADH: Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Sunday, marking his first overseas trip since assuming office.
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Sharaa was warmly welcomed by Saudi officials upon his arrival, with footage broadcast by the state-run Al-Ekhbariya channel.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Sharaa was received by Prince Mohammed, although specifics about their discussions were not immediately released.
Sharaa, who led the Islamist group responsible for ousting Bashar al-Assad in December, was appointed Syria’s interim president this past Wednesday. Both King Salman and Prince Mohammed of Saudi Arabia were among the first to extend congratulations to him following his appointment.
Syria is looking to secure financial support from wealthy Gulf nations to help fund the reconstruction of the country, which has been devastated by years of conflict, and to revive its economy.
