Syrian Interim Government Makes First Official Visit to Riyadh

syria, saudi arabia - Syria's new leadership made its first official foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish a new chapter in Syria-Saudi relations.

Syria's interim government, led by Heyet Tahrir al-Sham, made its first official foreign visit to Saudi Arabia after the fall of the Assad regime. The delegation, consisting of Foreign Minister Esaad al-Shaybani, Defense Minister Murhef Abu Kasra, and General Intelligence Organization Chief Anas Hattab, visited Riyadh upon the invitation of the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry. They were welcomed at Riyadh's international airport by Saudi Arabian Deputy Foreign Minister Velid bin Abdulkerim El Hereiji.

Shaybani expressed the desire to open a new and clean page in Syria-Saudi relations, in line with the long shared history between the two countries. Following the meeting, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan met with the delegation to discuss the current situation in Syria and express support for steps that would ensure Syria's security and stability. The discussions also touched upon achieving a secure, stable, and prosperous future in Syria, as well as preserving state institutions and restoring the country's status in the Arab-Islamic world.

Former U.S. diplomat Adam Clements noted that the decrease in Iranian influence in Syria with the new leadership prompted Riyadh to forge strong ties with the country. Clements highlighted Saudi Arabia's potential role in the reconstruction of Syria and reducing Damascus' energy dependence on Iran. Ahmed al-Shera also emphasized Riyadh's significant role in Syria's future, describing it as a major investment opportunity for all neighboring countries.

One of the new government's actions in Syria was to revise the education curriculum. The 12-page regulation signed by Minister of Education Nazir Mohammed Al-Kadri introduced significant changes to the education system, with alterations such as replacing the phrase 'Martyr of the Homeland' with 'Martyr in the Cause of Allah' and defining the administration as 'Allah's Sharia' instead of 'Justice Laws.' Additionally, references to ancient gods of cultures, evolution theory, and information related to the former regime were completely removed from textbooks. The Ottoman Empire's presence in the region, previously labeled as 'Ottoman occupation' during the Assad regime, will now be described as 'Ottoman administration' in the new books.