OMM Newsroom
Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a defense cooperation agreement, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue missile and drone attacks on the kingdom.
AnewZ, citing Saudi state news agency SPA, reported that the agreement between the two countries’ defense ministries was signed on Nov. 4 during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh. Details of the deal were not disclosed.
During the visit, Ahmed al-Sharaa met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the second time in less than a month.
Houthi attacks continue
The Iran-allied Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, reigniting tensions between Riyadh and the armed group in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has approached international allies and partners, including the United States, European countries and other Middle Eastern states, for defensive and offensive support.
Reuters reported in October that Syria was considering providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia. At the time, a Syrian diplomat said any request related to military cooperation or an exchange of expertise would be handled “only through official channels.”
The diplomat also said such cooperation would take place under existing bilateral agreements between the two countries.
More than $403 million in concessional loans for Syria
The defense agreement was one of several deals signed during Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit. The Saudi Fund for Development, which provides development loans and grants, signed six agreements with Syria’s Ministry of Finance for concessional loans totaling more than $403 million.
According to Syria’s Ministry of Finance, the funds will support the country’s development and public services sector.
Saudi Arabia has become one of the main financial supporters of the Syrian government. After former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted, Riyadh supported Damascus in restoring ties with international powers.
