Syria’s new government will have all sectors, says foreign minister
Syria’s foreign minister has said to Saudi Arabian officials that the new government in Damascus will include all elements of Syrian society, following Bashar Al-Assad’s overthrow in December, Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters reported on January 3rd.
Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani and Syria’s defense minister met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh on January 2nd. This was the first foreign visit from a member of the country’s new administration.
Al-Shibani said in a post on X: “Through our visit, we conveyed our national vision of establishing a government based on partnership and efficiency that includes all Syrian components, and working to launch an economic development plan that opens the way for investment, establishes strategic partnerships, and improves living and service conditions.”
READ: Syria’s school curriculum changes spark national concerns
Saudi Arabia supported the rebels who fought Assad during the beginning of the Syrian civil war.
More recently, Riyadh made efforts towards normalising its ties with the Assad government.
A Saudi source in close connection to the government told Reuters that the Kingdom is dedicated to protecting the peace in Syria and that developing stability is of greatest importance.
The source also said: “At this critical juncture, our focus is on delivering essential humanitarian aid to the people of Syria, and we are exploring opportunities for expanded assistance in collaboration with regional partners.”
The new Syrian government’s plans to change the country’s national school curriculum has prompted widespread backlash, as reported by the National on January 3rd. Critics have said that the revised curriculum will bring a more Islamic inclination within academia.
Asharq Al-Awsat, Reuters
