DAMASCUS: Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, has praised the role of Saudi Arabia in the Middle Eastern nation’s transition period.
“I am proud of everything Saudi Arabia has done for Syria,” Al-Sharaa said during an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya, adding that the Kingdom has a major role in Syria’s future.
Al-Sharaa, leader of the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group, spearheaded a 11-day offensive that led to the ouster of Bashar al-Assad ending the family’s five-decade rule.
He said the liberation of Syria ensures the security of the whole region. Al-Sharaa noted the difficulty of holding polls in Syria, which can take up to four years, as well as drafting a constitution for the country which can take up to three years. He said Syrians will take about a year to see drastic changes.
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Al-Sharaa also told the Saudi broadcaster the “Syrian people have saved themselves by themselves.”
He said he did not want Russia to leave Syria in a manner unbefitting its ties with the country. He however said that “Iran should have sided with the Syrian people.”
The Syrian leader said HTS would be dissolved in a national dialogue conference. Al-Sharaa also said he hopes the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump will lift sanctions from Syria.
Earlier this week a Saudi delegation led by an advisor from the Royal Court had met with Ahmed al-Sharaa. The meeting was held at the People’s Palace in Damascus.
Al-Sharaa has stated that Saudi Arabia and Syria look forward to a shared vision for Damascus in terms of cooperation and economic development.
“We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria,” he told the Arabic Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.
