Saudi Engagement and Turkey’s Strategic Ascendancy in Syria –

Saudi Arabia’s engagement with Syria’s ‘new administration’, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, marks a late but significant shift. The recent visit to Riyadh by a Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, represents the new Syrian government’s first official trip abroad. The delegation held security, military, and diplomatic discussions with Saudi leaders, who have approached Syria cautiously following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman emphasized Riyadh’s commitment to supporting Syria’s stabilization and territorial integrity.

While details of the discussions, including a joint meeting between the Syrian interim government’s Foreign Minister and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, remain scarce, Saudi media highlighted the reception of the Syrian delegation. The focus, however, was on launching the first batch of Saudi relief supplies to Syria, with two planes carrying food and medical aid as part of a program Riyadh described as having “no ceiling”. A land bridge for additional aid is expected within days.

This engagement will potentially open the door to broader Arab acceptance, including from Egypt. However, Cairo remains cautious due to the inclusion of individuals linked to organizations it classifies as terrorist groups within Syria’s new government, particularly in its restructured Defense Ministry, which now includes officers of various nationalities, including Egyptians.

Meanwhile, Turkey is expanding its influence in Syria through reconstruction efforts and economic integration. Turkish energy projects are linking Syria’s power grid to Turkey, and Turkish banks are setting up operations in Syrian markets, where the lira now circulates widely. Militarily, Ankara has pledged to bolster Syria’s defense capabilities through a cooperative roadmap and reiterated its commitment to “counterterrorism efforts” targeting Kurdish forces and ISIS.

Turkey’s strategy also includes a focus on “protecting minorities”, a narrative used to justify its growing role in Syria. This stance has created tensions with Kurdish groups, as Turkey demands the expulsion of foreign fighters and the Syrian government’s takeover of ISIS detention camps. Ankara’s efforts aim to weaken Kurdish influence while consolidating its own power in the region.

Leaked information suggests Turkey is negotiating agreements that include potential military bases and maritime border pacts. These developments, reminiscent of Turkey’s arrangements with Libya, would enhance Ankara’s strategic presence in Syria and the broader region, especially in resource-rich areas.

Al Akhbar report