Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, landed in Saudi Arabia on Sunday for his inaugural trip abroad, marking a pivotal moment as he seeks to distance Damascus from Iran, its principal regional ally. Al-Sharaa, who previously held affiliations with al-Qaida, was accompanied by Asaad al-Shaibani, the Syrian foreign minister, aboard a Saudi aircraft adorned with the national flag. Upon arriving in Riyadh, the two leaders were greeted with a significant ceremony, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic visit. In a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, al-Sharaa expressed confidence in the Kingdom's commitment to support Syria's reconstruction following over a decade of brutal civil war. "We held a long meeting during which we felt and heard a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future," he noted, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in lifting damaging Western sanctions against his war-torn nation. This effort aligns with recent Saudi diplomatic activity aimed at fostering regional stability, having reestablished ties with the Syrian regime in 2023. Historically, Saudi Arabia had provided financial backing to opposition groups aimed at deposing former President Bashar al-Assad during the initial stages of the civil war. However, following Syria's strategic shifts in alliances, Riyadh is now looking at how it can contribute to the rebuilding process. The previous reliance on Iranian support, which amounted to billions of dollars over the years, has led Syria to recalibrate its foreign policy to attract Gulf investment and improve relations with its Arab neighbors. The symbolic significance of the visit is underscored by the prominent display of Syria's new three-star flag alongside Saudi Arabia’s at King Khalid International Airport. Al-Sharaa's communication on this trip signifies a broader intent to emerge from the influence of Iran and Russia. Moreover, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, preceding al-Sharaa's visit, engaged with European and American officials regarding the status of sanctions placed on Syria, paving the way for potential financial assistance and investment needed for national recovery. Notably, the interim president's administration faces ongoing security threats from militant factions like the Islamic State as they attempt to stabilize the country. A recent car bombing in the city of Manbij, which left several casualties, exemplifies the persistent dangers that the new government must navigate. This trip signifies a watershed moment in the evolving dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics and highlights al-Sharaa's strategy of fostering a relationship with Saudi Arabia as a critical step toward Syria's recovery. For more details, you can read the full articles from AP News, SCMP, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Le Monde, or India Times.