Syrian President Al-Sharaa to visit Kuwait end of May

Arab Times

19-05-2025

KUWAIT CITY, May 19: Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Kuwait at the end of this month, marking his first official trip to the country since assuming leadership during the transitional period, reports Al- Seyassah daily quoting Syrian sources. In an exclusive statement to the daily, sources said this visit will conclude Al-Sharaa's Gulf tour, which included stops in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain. Sources added he will visit the Sultanate of Oman before arriving in Kuwait.
his visit, President Al-Sharaa will meet with the Kuwaiti political leadership to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He will also express Syria's gratitude for Kuwait's longstanding political and financial support; including its role in hosting multiple donor conferences, providing substantial humanitarian aid since 2011, and launching an emergency airlift following the fall of the former regime. Sources revealed that a delegation of Kuwaiti businesspersons, led by Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, held a preliminary meeting last Tuesday to discuss potential investment opportunities.
They said President Al-Sharaa is expected to meet with business leaders during his visit to explore avenues for economic collaboration. In preparation for these discussions, President Al-Sharaa met earlier this week with several ministers and heads of the concerned institutions to review the draft investment law and the proposed amendments. Sources stated that the goal is to improve the business climate and align with Syria's new phase of economic openness and recovery.
On the political front, the President recently issued a decision to establish the National Commission for Transitional Justice, in accordance with the country's Constitutional Declaration. This move reflects the commitment of the President to justice and reconciliation as foundations for a lawful and inclusive State. The mandate of the commission includes investigating human rights violations committed by the former regime, holding perpetrators accountable, compensating victims, and addressing the damage caused. Sources also indicated that the commission will pursue legal accountability for former regime-linked businessmen who were involved in fraudulent activities, particularly those impacting Gulf countries. They affirmed that all proceedings will follow proper legal channels. Describing Syria as a 'land of justice and fertile ground for investment,' the sources highlighted the country's pressing need for reconstruction. They pointed out that this process gained significant momentum after US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Syria at the request of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. 'This development paves the way for renewed Gulf investment, especially from Kuwait, to take a leading role in rebuilding efforts and capitalizing on the range of opportunities in different sectors,' source elaborated. Sources stressed that 'the new Syria is determined to reengage with its Arab neighbors.
The visit of Al- Sharaa to Kuwait is also a gesture of appreciation for the Kuwaiti people's steadfast support throughout the Syrian crisis. This marks a turning point in the foreign policy of Syria, signaling a return to its Arab identity.' On the security front, sources confirmed that the Syrian leadership is focusing on maintaining stability. They revealed that Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra recently called on small armed groups not yet integrated into the national security forces to do so within 10 days.