RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the announcement of the formation of the Syrian government and hoped that this government will fulfil the aspirations of the Syrian people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Sunday affirmed the Kingdom’s aspiration to cooperate and work with the new Syrian government in a manner that embodies the fraternal and historical relations between the two countries and strengthens relations in all fields.
The ministry also expressed its wishes for the new Syrian government’s success in achieving security, stability, and prosperity for Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa announced the formation of a transitional government on Saturday, appointing 23 ministers in an expanded cabinet. This development marks a significant step in moving away from decades of Assad family rule and strengthening Syria’s relations with the West.
“The formation of a new government today is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state,” Al-Sharaa said in a speech marking the formation of the government.
The government will not have a prime minister, with Al-Sharaa expected to lead the executive branch.
Since Bashar Al-Assad was ousted in December following a lightning offensive, a caretaker cabinet led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa has been governing Syria. In January, Al-Sharaa was appointed interim president and vowed to establish an inclusive transitional government.
His administration aims to rebuild Syria’s weakened public institutions and oversee the country until elections, which he indicated could take up to five years to organise.
Earlier this month, Syria issued a constitutional declaration, designed to serve as the foundation for the interim period led by Al-Sharaa.
Al-Sharaa said he hoped the constitutional declaration would mark the beginning of “a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice … and suffering with mercy”.
