Saudi Arabia congratulates Ahmed al-Sharaa as Syria’s interim president

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have extended their congratulations to Ahmed al-Sharaa on his appointment as Syria’s interim president, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Al-Sharaa assumed leadership following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad last month and has been tasked with forming a transitional legislature, Syrian state media confirmed.

In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Damascus last week to meet with al-Sharaa. During their discussions, Prince Faisal emphasized Riyadh’s commitment to assisting Syria’s new leadership in securing the lifting of international sanctions.

“The importance of accelerating the lifting and freezing of all sanctions,” Prince Faisal stated, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s support for Syria’s post-Assad transition.

Syria’s new government made its first official foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, which has been actively providing humanitarian aid to the war-torn nation.

In a recent interview with Al Arabiya, al-Sharaa expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping Syria’s future, referring to the country as a significant investment hub for neighboring nations.

He also revealed his personal ties to the Kingdom, having been born in Saudi Arabia, where his father worked during his early years.