Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Wednesday, November 4, during a visit aimed at signing contracts and discussing issues of mutual interest.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) had said al-Sharaa would meet bin Salman to discuss a range of bilateral issues, alongside the signing of several agreements across various sectors.
SANA had not specified the nature of these agreements or the sectors they would cover at the time of publication.
The Syrian Presidency said al-Sharaa met bin Salman in the presence of several ministers and senior officials from both countries.
The meeting addressed bilateral relations, ways to develop them and strengthen cooperation across various fields, according to the Syrian Presidency. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest, stressing the importance of strengthening security and stability in the region.
Al-Sharaa headed a high-level Syrian delegation that included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, and Minister of Industry, Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Basel Abdul Hannan, alongside General Intelligence Service chief Abdul Qader Tahan.
The delegation’s composition suggests a security and economic focus for the talks, although no outcomes from the meeting had been announced at the time of publication.
Less Than a Month Later
The visit comes less than a month after a similar visit on October 6, when al-Sharaa led a Syrian delegation accompanied by Foreign Minister al-Shaibani.
These visits come as Syrian-Saudi relations have gradually warmed since the fall of the former regime on December 8, 2024, following years of political estrangement during which Saudi Arabia supported the Syrian opposition during the years of revolution and war.
Saudi Arabia was al-Sharaa’s first foreign destination after assuming the presidency. He visited Riyadh on February 2, 2025, and met Mohammed bin Salman for discussions covering political, economic and humanitarian issues, as well as energy, technology, education, health and reconstruction.
Al-Sharaa Meets Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to Discuss Closer Ties
The “Mecca” Agreement
Al-Sharaa’s previous visit also brought renewed attention to Syria’s place in emerging regional security arrangements, particularly as it followed the start of implementation of the “Mecca mutual defense agreement” between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.
Al-Shaibani had previously hinted at Syria’s interest in joining the “Mecca” agreement.
Following the visit, Reuters reported that Syria was considering providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia amid the escalating war with Yemen’s Houthi movement. Options under consideration ranged from providing defensive support to the kingdom to deploying Syrian troops alongside Saudi-backed Yemeni forces, according to a US official and a Syrian military official cited by Reuters.
In response, the External Media Directorate at Syria’s Information Ministry denied what it described as “claims that Syria is joining the war in Yemen.” It said Damascus supported Saudi Arabia in confronting threats to its security and stability while maintaining a regional policy based on stability, peace and cooperation, rather than opening new fronts.
The directorate said Syria’s priorities were rebuilding the country, strengthening state institutions and working with partners on reconstruction efforts and improving Syrians’ living standards. It added that any military cooperation with partner countries would take place only through official channels and existing bilateral frameworks.
Membership or Cooperation? Al-Sharaa’s Riyadh Visit Brings Syria Closer to the Mecca Pact