DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Friday described his just-concluded visit to Saudi Arabia, his first official trip abroad in his current capacity, as "historic."
In a series of posts on social media platform X, al-Shaibani said that during the visit, he presented to the Saudi side Syria's "national vision" of forming an inclusive government that embraces all segments of the Syrian population based on "partnership and competence," and voiced the Syrian administration's intent to launch an economic development initiative to attract foreign investment, forge strategic partnerships, and improve living conditions.
He said he also highlighted Syria's potential to "play a positive role" in the region, cooperating with Arab neighbors on joint policies to bolster security and economic prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry wrote on X that during a meeting between Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and al-Shaibani, they discussed "the latest developments in Syria and efforts to address them," as well as "ways to support everything that contributes to achieving a prosperous future of security, stability, and prosperity for Syria and its people."
"The discussions also focused on preserving Syrian state institutions, enhancing their capabilities, and restoring Syria to its rightful place in the Arab and Islamic worlds," it said.
The Saudi minister "reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for everything that would achieve Syria's security and stability while preserving its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," it said.
Al-Shaibani's maiden overseas visit, which began late on Wednesday as he landed at Riyadh's international airport, came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on Dec. 8, 2024. ■
