The partnership could eventually develop into a mutual defence agreement or lead to Syria joining the Mecca Pact, the source said (Photo: Reuters).
Syria has no intention of deploying troops to Yemen, a Syrian diplomatic source said, rejecting reports of a possible military deployment while indicating that defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia could deepen in the future.
Syria has drawn closer to Saudi Arabia and the United States since rebels led by Sharaa ousted Iran-aligned president Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
The Syrian source said the existing cooperation with Saudi Arabia was centred on training, strengthening military capabilities and sharing expertise. The partnership could eventually develop into a mutual defence agreement or lead to Syria joining the Mecca Pact, depending on the common interests of the two countries, the source said. Visits by Saudi officials to Syria for coordination purposes are expected to begin next month, the source added. It was his second meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in less than a month.
Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a defence cooperation agreement on Wednesday during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh.