Syrian leader visits Riyadh to boost defence ties

Al-Sharaa meets MBS as two countries sign several MoUs amid regional tensions

RIYADH:

Saudi Arabia and Syria agreed to strengthen defence cooperation and signed several agreements covering key areas during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, amid escalating regional tensions and a reported Houthi attack on a Saudi airport.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received al-Sharaa, who visited the kingdom at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The two leaders held official talks on bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation across various sectors.

They also discussed regional and international developments, warning that military escalation could threaten regional security, international navigation, energy supplies and the global economy. Both sides called for de-escalation, dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, urging an immediate halt to actions threatening navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Strait of Hormuz.

During the visit, the two countries concluded an agreement on cooperation between their defence ministries. Memoranda of understanding were also signed on industrial, agricultural and environmental cooperation, while the Saudi Fund for Development agreed on projects involving infrastructure, healthcare, housing and financial services.

The visit came as Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claimed they had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Wednesday and urged international airlines to avoid Saudi airspace. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the reported attack.

The developments coincided with preparations by Turkey's parliament to ratify the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in August, formalising Ankara's mutual defence commitment to Riyadh. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler has said his country does not envisage combat or offensive operations against the Houthis.