Saudi Arabia and others are overlooking the new leadership’s jihadist past, hoping to gain an advantage on rivals in the strategically positioned country.

The two Mideast powerhouses have been trying to block the rise of Islamist groups in the region for two decades. The rebel takeover in Damascus will test that approach.

By taking the lead in hosting Syria's new foreign minister, Riyadh is eying strategic opportunity to fill the US void, counter Iran’s waning influence and stabilize ties with Damascus through aid, partnerships and engagement with Islamist factions.

Ministers from Syria's transitional government held talks in Saudi Arabia on Thursday on their first foreign visit since they toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last month. Shibani was accompanied by Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and General Intelligence Service chief Anas Khattab,

A high-level delegation from Syria's transitional government visited Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking their first foreign trip and signalling a warming of ties with the oil-rich monarchy. The team, including Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani,

On Wednesday, a Syrian delegation that included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, and intelligence chief Anas Khattab arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, for the new Syrian government’s first diplomatic trip abroad.

Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani leads Syrian delegation to Riyadh on 1st official visit, signaling potential for strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia - Anadolu Ajansı

Syria's foreign minister has told Saudi Arabian officials that the new leadership in Damascus wants to set up a government involving all parts of Syrian society following the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad last month.

The newly appointed foreign minister in the Syrian interim administration established after the fall of Assad said he accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart to visit the kingdom, which would be his first official visit abroad.

Years of civil war and recent natural disasters have left Syrians greatly in need of humanitarian aid, and international relief flights have begun delivering assistance.

Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army chief who was elected president on Thursday, is a 60-year-old career soldier who kept his military on the sidelines of a recent war between Israel and armed group Hezbollah,