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Syrian transitional president Ahmed Al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, marking his first foreign visit since the ousting of former president Bashar Al-Assad in December, Saudi state media reported.

Saudi state TV, Al-Ekhbariya, confirmed Al-Sharaa’s arrival in Riyadh on his first official visit, noting that he is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though no specific date was given for the meeting.

According to Reuters, Al-Sharaa is seeking to secure support from Arab and Western leaders following Assad’s removal in December. His visit holds special significance as it marks his first international trip since assuming power, with key bilateral issues expected to be discussed.

On Wednesday, Syria’s new administration appointed Al-Sharaa as transitional president, alongside sweeping decisions that included dissolving armed factions, security agencies, the parliament, and the Baath Party, which had ruled the country for decades. The previous constitution was also annulled.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent congratulatory cables to Al-Sharaa on Thursday, wishing him success in his new role, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Earlier this month, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani also chose Riyadh for his first foreign trip.

Last Friday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed from Damascus his country’s support for Syria’s new administration, particularly in efforts to lift Western sanctions.

In early January, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center launched an air bridge to assist the Syrian people amid the near-total collapse of the country’s economy, with two relief planes carrying food, shelter, and medical supplies.

On December 8, Syrian factions took control of Damascus and several other cities, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule, including 53 years under the Assad family.