Al-Sharaa on his meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince: We sensed a “genuine desire” to support Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Sunday that he sensed a "genuine desire" from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support Damascus.

Al-Sharaa thanked bin Salman for the "warm reception and hospitality" in Riyadh, according to what was reported by the official Syrian news agency "SANA" on its website.

He added: "Today we held a long meeting, during which we sensed and heard a real desire to support Syria in building its future, and a keenness to support the will of the Syrian people and the unity and integrity of its territories."

He continued: "Today, during the meeting, we held extensive discussions and talks in all fields, and we worked to raise the level of communication and cooperation in all areas, especially humanitarian and economic."

He added: "We discussed comprehensive future plans in the fields of energy, technology, education and health, to reach together a real partnership aimed at preserving peace and stability in the entire region, and improving the economic reality of the Syrian people."

He added: "This is in addition to the continuation of political and diplomatic cooperation to enhance Syria's role regarding Arab and international positions and issues, especially after the discussions that were held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, during the past month."

Earlier on Sunday, Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia, on his first official foreign visit since assuming leadership of Syria.

On Wednesday, the new Syrian administration announced the appointment of Sharaa as president of the country during the transitional period, in addition to other decisions including the dissolution of armed factions and security services that existed during the previous era, the People's Assembly, and the Baath Party that ruled the country for decades, and the cancellation of the previous constitution.

On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions took control of the capital, Damascus, days after taking control of other cities, ending 61 years of the bloody Baath Party regime and 53 years of the Assad family’s rule.