Saudi FM Visits Damascus in First Trip since Assad’s Fall
Prince Faisal is set to meet Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of Syria’s new administration, who has expressed interest in turning a new page in bilateral relations, according to a Syrian official.

Jan. 24, 2025
Erbil (Kurdistan 24) – Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus on Friday, marking his first visit to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in Dec 2024, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of Syria’s new administration, who has expressed a desire to reset bilateral relations, according to a Syrian official.
This visit comes after more than a decade of strained relations between Riyadh and Damascus, which began in February 2012 when Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties and closed its embassy in protest of the Assad regime’s violent response to widespread demonstrations. Those protests escalated into a devastating civil war, leaving Syria’s infrastructure and economy in ruins.
In Oct 2023, Saudi Arabia and Syria restored full diplomatic relations, signaling a major policy shift. Recently, Saudi officials have called on European diplomats to lift sanctions on Syria to facilitate its reconstruction and economic recovery following Assad’s ouster.
Read More: Saudi Arabia presses top EU diplomats to lift sanctions on Syria after Assad's fall
In an interview with Al Arabiya in Dec, Ahmad al-Shara highlighted Saudi Arabia’s potential role in rebuilding Syria. “The Kingdom could have a significant role in Syria’s future, particularly by leveraging investment opportunities to support our developmental ambitions,” he said.
Syria’s new administration has prioritized strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, seeking the Kingdom’s support in reconstruction efforts. This commitment was underscored by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Riyadh in Jan, marking his first official foreign trip since the formation of the new administration.
Read More: Syrian FM embarks on regional diplomatic tour following fall of Assad regime