Delegation includes FM Asaad Al-Shibani, Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra, and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab RIYADH: A high-level Syrian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani arrived in Saudi Arabia Wednesday night, the Saudi Press Agency said. The delegation, which includes Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, was received by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Elkhereiji at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8. It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Saudi Arabia had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday. “Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again. Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.