Syria says military ties with Saudi Arabia could expand
A Syrian diplomatic source says existing military cooperation could develop into a mutual defense agreement or lead to Syria joining the Makkah Alliance.
At a glance
- Current military agreements between Syria and Saudi Arabia focus on training and military consultations
- Partnership could expand to include a mutual defense agreement or Syria joining the Makkah Alliance
- Saudi delegations expected to begin coordination visits to Syria next month
- Syria denies reports of plans to deploy military forces to Yemen
Syria's military cooperation with Saudi Arabia could eventually evolve into a mutual defense agreement or result in Syria joining the Makkah Alliance, according to a Syrian diplomatic source speaking to the Syrian Arab News Agency. Current agreements focus on training Syrian military personnel, exchanging expertise and providing military consultations to support shared national interests, with Saudi delegations expected to begin coordination visits to Syria next month.
The source denied reports that Syria was preparing to deploy military forces to Yemen, describing such claims as baseless. Syria's priorities remain focused on consolidating internal security, advancing reconstruction and achieving economic recovery, the source said. The remarks follow a military cooperation agreement signed by the Saudi and Syrian defense ministries during a recent visit to Riyadh by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
Why it matters
The deepening military ties reflect broader regional developments following recent diplomatic shifts in Syria's international relations.
Original reporting
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