ISTANBUL

Syria’s Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for an official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation with Riyadh across key energy sectors.

A statement by the Syrian Energy Ministry said Bashir is scheduled to meet with several Saudi officials for talks on expanding joint initiatives in oil, electricity, and water management, as well as identifying new investment prospects.

The visit comes just two days after Damascus and Riyadh formally inaugurated the Syrian-Saudi Business Council during an investment forum held in Damascus.

On Friday, council chairman Mohammad Abunayyan announced a five-year action plan to deepen economic collaboration between the two countries.

“The council is being established at a critical time, as Syria prepares for a new phase that requires joint efforts to rebuild the country and restore safety, stability, and prosperity to the Syrian people,” Abunayyan said.

He added that the 2025–2030 roadmap aims to promote sustainable economic cooperation, highlight investment opportunities, support strategic partnerships, and streamline trade and logistics procedures for Saudi exports.

Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, Syria’s new administration has launched economic and political reforms and intensified efforts to build partnerships with regional and international players.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January.