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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Tuesday for official talks centered on strengthening relations between the two countries. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, the meeting examined opportunities to expand cooperation in diverse fields while considering recent events across the region. The Syrian president arrived accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and was initially received by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Riyadh region, prior to the main discussions.
The Syrian Arab News Agency reported that the discussions focused on advancing ties in ways that benefit shared interests and support security and stability in the wider area. President al-Sharaa and bin Salman reviewed bilateral relations with attention to economic and developmental prospects. The encounter forms part of sustained contacts that have intensified since al-Sharaa took office in late 2024.
The Saudi Press Agency detailed that senior officials joined bin Salman for the session, including Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Adviser Musaed bin Mohammed al-Aiban. Additional participants from the Saudi side included adviser Bandar bin Obaid al-Rashid. Their involvement reflected the comprehensive agenda that extended beyond diplomacy to potential investment and reconstruction initiatives.
This meeting continues a pattern of engagement that began with al-Sharaa’s first official visit to the kingdom in February 2025. The Guardian noted at the time that the trip signaled a major realignment following the fall of the previous Syrian regime. Subsequent discussions occurred in Jeddah in April 2026 and via telephone calls that addressed similar themes of partnership and regional coordination.
Saudi Arabia has assumed a prominent role in supporting Syria’s reconstruction, a position reinforced by substantial investment commitments. Economy Middle East reported that a July 2025 investment forum in Damascus yielded 47 agreements valued at approximately $6.4 billion spanning energy, infrastructure, finance and technology. More than 100 Saudi companies and over 20 government entities took part in the conference that highlighted commercial opportunities in the recovering Syrian market.
The Syrian Arab News Agency stated that the latest visit advances efforts to deepen Syrian-Saudi relations through practical collaboration. Both sides have maintained regular dialogue on matters of mutual concern, including economic recovery projects. Officials from the two countries continue to explore avenues for joint work that align with broader objectives for stability across the Middle East.
