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.

Asaad Al-Shaibani arrived in Riyadh in his first overseas visit since the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.

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.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday sent another relief plane to Syria as part of an air bridge launched by the kingdom to assist Syria following last month’s fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The Saudi state news agency SPA said the plane is loaded with food, medical supplies, and shelter materials, though specific quantities were not disclosed.

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.

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,

Syria's top diplomat said he hoped to open a "new, bright page" with Saudi Arabia upon arriving in the kingdom Wednesday, the first foreign visit for Syria's new rulers, who seized power last month."I have just arrived in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

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

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.

Shibani, visits Saudi Arabia, the first foreign trip by Syria’s new leadership following their rise to power last month.

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.

Asaad Hassan al-Shibani says he received an official invite from Riyadh amid visits by Arab officials to Damascus