Syria’s foreign minister has informed Saudi Arabian officials that the new leadership in Damascus aims to establish a government that represents all segments of Syrian society following the recent ousting of Bashar Al-Assad. Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani‘s visit marks the first international trip by a member of Syria‘s new administration, as Western and regional powers look for indications of whether the new government will adopt strict Islamic governance or embrace a more inclusive approach.

During his visit to Riyadh on Thursday, Al-Shibani, accompanied by Syria’s defense minister, met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. “Our visit was intended to share our national vision for creating a government founded on partnership and efficiency, encompassing all Syrian groups, while also initiating an economic development plan that facilitates investment, establishes strategic partnerships, and enhances living and service conditions,” Al-Shibani stated in a post on X.

Since the removal of Assad on December 8, Islamist factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have been working to reassure both Arab nations and the international community that they will govern in the interest of all Syrians and will not promote an Islamist revolution. HTS was previously affiliated with al-Qaeda until severing ties in 2016. Saudi Arabia has historically supported the rebels opposing Assad since the beginning of the Syrian civil war. Recently, Riyadh has taken steps to normalize relations with the Assad regime, facilitating Syria’s return to the Arab League in 2023, as part of efforts to diminish Iranian influence in the region and combat the trafficking of drugs, including the methamphetamine captagon.