This photo released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syrian interim foreign minister Asaad al-Chaibani (right) receiving Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (left) at Damascus International Airport on May 31, 2025. (Credit: HO/SANA/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in Damascus Saturday leading an economic delegation to discuss support for Syria’s economy and bilateral cooperation, Syrian and Saudi authorities said.
Saudi Arabia is a key regional backer of the new administration in Damascus, formed by Islamist rebel groups that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a visit to Riyadh, surprised many by announcing the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria.
The Syrian foreign ministry said its top diplomat, Assaad al-Chaibani, welcomed his Saudi counterpart “leading a high-level delegation” at Damascus International Airport.
A joint press conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
According to a statement from the Saudi foreign ministry, bin Farhan is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and the economic delegation will consult with Syrian officials on “ways to cooperate to support the Syrian economy.”
Saudi Arabia was the first foreign country visited by al-Sharaa after taking office in December 2024.
Recently, Riyadh, together with Doha — another major ally of the new Syrian authorities — settled Syria’s roughly $15 million debt to the World Bank.
Following the lifting of Western sanctions, particularly U.S. ones, Damascus is relying on its allies and the international community to kickstart economic recovery and reconstruction after more than a decade of devastating conflict that has killed over half a million people.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in Damascus Saturday leading an economic delegation to discuss support for Syria’s economy and bilateral cooperation, Syrian and Saudi authorities said.Saudi Arabia is a key regional backer of the new administration in Damascus, formed by Islamist rebel groups that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a visit to Riyadh, surprised many by announcing the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria.The Syrian foreign ministry said its top diplomat, Assaad al-Chaibani, welcomed his Saudi counterpart “leading a high-level delegation” at Damascus International Airport.A joint press conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.According to a statement from the Saudi foreign ministry, bin...