Riyadh leaders sign defence cooperation deal as syria, saudi arabia agree 403m loans for projects
Agreements signed in Riyadh
Syria’s Foreign Ministry called the defence agreement the “most notable” of the deals. The ministry did not provide details about its terms.
Loans target key services
The funding includes $100m to rebuild and equip damaged healthcare facilities, $60m for damaged housing and $105m to strengthen civil defence, the agency said. A further $90m is designated to rehabilitate the Aleppo thermal power plant, while $30m is for drinking water systems in Damascus and Idlib.
Leaders call for de-escalation
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said the leaders discussed the current regional and international situation. They called for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Regional ties and security talks
Saudi Arabia has backed Syria’s government since al-Sharaa took power after Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024. The two leaders previously met in Riyadh on October 6. At the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain on Saturday, al-Shaibani said discussions were under way to assess Syria’s entry into the Mecca alliance.
Key points
- The defence cooperation deal was signed, but its terms were not disclosed.
- Saudi loans exceed $403m and cover energy, housing, health and infrastructure.
- The leaders called for de-escalation and safer maritime navigation.
- Discussions are under way to evaluate Syria’s entry into the Mecca alliance.