09:28 / 04.02.2025

Interim President of Syria performed Umrah pilgrimage (video)

^{Photo: Saudi Press Agency}
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (al-Julani) performed Umrah during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Arab News reported.

Al-Julani arrived in Riyadh on February 2 and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discussed ways to support Syria's security and stability. This is Al-Sharaa's first foreign trip since taking office. Al-Julani performed Umrah in Mecca during the visit.

^{Photo: Saudi Press Agency}

^{Photo: Saudi Press Agency}
Al-Shara'a will visit Ankara on February 4 at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Syria’s Transition of Power and Saudi Arabia’s Role

Al-Sharaa was appointed interim president of Syria on January 29. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in early December.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, were among the first to congratulate al-Sharaa on his election as president. Syria is counting on the help of wealthy Gulf states to finance the reconstruction of the war-torn country and revive its economy.

In mid-January, Saudi Arabia supported the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Since Assad was overthrown in December, the new Syrian government has hosted a number of foreign politicians, including German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who visited Syria in early January.

Interim President of Syria Ahmed al-Shara'a Al-Julani Saudi Arabia Umrah Pilgrimage