Syria and Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact Amid Regional Security Concerns
Syria’s jihadi president signs defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, focusing on regional security and infrastructure rebuilding.
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Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly the leader of the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently visited Saudi Arabia and signed a defense agreement with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh. The deal, announced by both Syria’s state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) and Saudi Press Agency (SPA), was highlighted as part of a broader set of cooperation agreements aimed at rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure following the end of its decade-long civil war in 2024.
Regional Security and Strategic Alliances
The defense agreement was reported alongside discussions on regional security, with both leaders calling for an immediate halt to acts threatening the security of navigation and waterways in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz. These waters are critical for global shipping, particularly for the oil exports of Saudi Arabia.
The Bab el-Mandab Strait, a key maritime route, has been a target for attacks by the Houthis, a group backed by Iran, which has also disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. While Syria has expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s security efforts, it has not taken an active military role in the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran.
Infrastructure Rebuilding and Economic Cooperation
The agreements also included significant investments in Syria’s infrastructure, such as the rehabilitation of the Aleppo power station, the installation of 300,000 smart water meters in Damascus and Idlib, and the construction or repair of 25 Civil Defense centers. These projects aim to restore essential services in regions heavily damaged by the civil war.
Syria’s state-run media emphasized Saudi Arabia’s role in rebuilding the country, with SANA noting that the agreements cover development, energy, health, and other critical sectors. However, details on the military cooperation were sparse, with both agencies downplaying its significance compared to infrastructure-focused initiatives.
Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and Regional Security
Syria was also reportedly considering joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. This agreement, which includes a mutual defense clause, has drawn attention due to its inclusion of a nuclear-armed state and the heart of Islam’s holiest sites. Despite these developments, Syria has rejected any active military involvement in the regional conflict.
Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, stated that the country is part of the region’s security and will support any organization that protects it. However, the defense agreement with Saudi Arabia appears to be separate from the Mecca pact, with no immediate indication of Syria’s involvement in the broader regional security framework.
Source: Breitbart
