The agreement was signed during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh, alongside more than $403 million in Saudi development loans for Syria.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding security coordination, marking another development in ties between the two countries.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, November 4, during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh, where he met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The meeting marked al-Sharaa’s second visit to the Saudi capital in less than a month. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and developments in the Middle East, including regional security, maritime navigation and economic stability.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the agreement between the two countries’ defence ministries as one of the most significant outcomes of the visit. However, officials have not disclosed specific details about its provisions, military commitments or implementation arrangements.

Saudi Arabia Announces More Than $403 Million in Loans

Alongside the defence agreement, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide more than $403 million in concessional development loans to support Syria’s reconstruction and essential services.

The financing will cover several sectors, including healthcare, housing, energy, infrastructure and public services.

The Saudi Fund for Development signed six agreements with Syria’s Finance Ministry to facilitate the financing. The projects are intended to help rebuild damaged facilities and improve living conditions in different parts of Syria.

Additional agreements were also reached in industrial cooperation, agriculture and environmental protection.

Regional Security Situation Discussed

The agreements come amid heightened security concerns across the Middle East, particularly following renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets in the context of the conflict in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking greater international cooperation to strengthen its defensive capabilities and address regional security challenges.

During their Riyadh meeting, Mohammed bin Salman and al-Sharaa also discussed the consequences of military escalation for regional stability, international shipping routes and energy supplies.

Both leaders called for reducing tensions, prioritising diplomatic solutions and protecting maritime navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Strait of Hormuz.

Syria-Saudi Relations Gain Momentum

Saudi Arabia has emerged as an important supporter of Syria’s reconstruction and diplomatic engagement following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

The latest defence and economic agreements represent an expansion of cooperation between Riyadh and Damascus.

The defence agreement’s specific military scope remains undisclosed, while the development financing signals continued Saudi support for Syria’s recovery.

The agreements could provide a foundation for broader bilateral cooperation as regional governments address security, economic and reconstruction challenges.