Speaking at a press conference in the Syrian capital, Damascus, Prince Faisal said he had held discussions with Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s transitional administration, focusing on avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
“Saudi Arabia looks forward to deepening its cooperation and partnership with Syria,” the foreign minister said. “Syria possesses great potential and capabilities, and is capable of moving forward.”
He expressed hope that Syria would reclaim its natural place in the region, adding that the Kingdom’s support in lifting sanctions reflects the principle of “a brother standing by his brother.”
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, speaking alongside his Saudi counterpart, said the transitional government had held in-depth talks with the Saudi delegation, particularly on economic and energy matters. He extended thanks to Saudi Arabia for what he described as longstanding support, especially efforts to ease international sanctions.
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“The lifting of sanctions is only a first step,” al-Shaibani said. “The transitional government has begun taking serious measures to improve public services.”
He underscored Syria’s commitment to economic sovereignty, stating that the country’s partnership with Saudi Arabia is rooted in mutual interests. “Reconstruction in Syria will not be dictated from the outside,” he said, “but led by the Syrian people themselves. The transitional government welcomes all contributions to this effort.”
He added that Syria’s emerging identity is that of a nation returning to its rightful place among Arab countries and international partners.
The Saudi foreign minister held meetings with both al-Sharaa and al-Shaibani at Tishreen Palace in Damascus.
The visit marked the arrival of a high-level Saudi economic delegation, led by Prince Faisal, to the Syrian capital earlier on Saturday, May 31.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the delegation included Royal Court Advisor Muhammad al-Tuwaijri, Deputy Minister of Finance Abdul Mohsen bin Saad al-Khalaf, and Assistant Minister of Investment Abdullah al-Dubaikhi.
Also present were Abdullah bin Zaraah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs, along with several other senior officials representing various sectors.
