Qatar's Emir Tells Sharaa 'Urgent Need' for Inclusive Syrian Government

This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
TT
20

Qatar's Emir Tells Sharaa 'Urgent Need' for Inclusive Syrian Government

This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 30, 2025, shows Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) showing Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani a view of Damascus from Qasyoun mountain. (Photo by SANA / AFP)

Visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized the "urgent need" to form an inclusive Syrian government during a meeting Thursday with the country's new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Qatari royal court said.

The emir's trip to Damascus -- the first by a head of state since the opposition toppled president Bashar al-Assad less than two months ago -- comes a day after Sharaa was appointed interim president for an unspecified transitional period.

It also follows a visit by Qatar's prime minister this month.

The emir "stressed the urgent need to form a government representing all spectrums" of Syrian society in order "to consolidate stability and move forward with reconstruction, development and prosperity projects,” the royal court statement said, congratulating Sharaa on his appointment.

Syria's new authorities on Wednesday said Sharaa had also been tasked with forming a transitional legislature. They announced the dissolution of all armed groups involved in Assad's overthrow, as well as the former government's army.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said discussions with the Qatari delegation included reconstruction in the country devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war.

"We discussed a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation concerning reconstruction," Shibani said during a press conference with Qatari Minister of State at the foreign ministry, Mohammed al-Khulaifi.

He said their talks covered "vital sectors including infrastructure... investment and banking services, paving the way for economic recovery, health and education.”



At Crown Prince’s Proposal, King Salman Directs Naming Riyadh Squares After State's Imams, Kings

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
TT
20

At Crown Prince’s Proposal, King Salman Directs Naming Riyadh Squares After State's Imams, Kings

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud directed on Saturday the naming of 15 squares in Riyadh after the imams and kings of the Saudi State, following a proposal by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The move coincides with Saudi Arabia’s celebration of Founding Day on February 22.

The directive underscores King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed’s commitment to honoring the immense legacy of the imams and kings who, for over 300 years, have been instrumental in establishing, unifying, developing, and protecting the Kingdom, preserving its resources, ensuring its security, and elevating its people.

The 15 squares, prominently located on Riyadh's main roads, will bear the names of: Imam Muhammad bin Saud, Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz, Imam Abdullah bin Saud, Imam Turki bin Abdullah, Imam Faisal bin Turki, Imam Abdullah bin Faisal, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal, King Abdulaziz, King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman.