Syria signs defence cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia; Riyadh to lend over $400 million for development
Syria has signed cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia in various fields, including the defence sector. The agreements were signed at a time when Saudi Arabia is working to strengthen its own security against the backdrop of drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently visited the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where he met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. It was the second meeting between the two leaders within a month.
It was at that meeting that a military cooperation agreement was signed between the two countries' defence ministries.
However, no details were released on what kind of military cooperation the agreement will involve. It is thought that, against the backdrop of the regional security situation and ongoing tensions with the Houthi rebels, the deal could open a new field of military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria.
A Syrian diplomat had earlier said that any initiative for military cooperation or exchange of experience between the two countries would be implemented through a government agreement.
Alongside defence cooperation, Saudi Arabia is also assisting Syria's reconstruction and internal development. Riyadh has decided to provide a loan of more than $400 million to strengthen the country's development activities.
Notably, since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government at the end of 2024, Saudi Arabia has been helping Syria recover its economy and rebuild the country's relations on the international stage.
