Saudi Crown Prince meets Syrian interim head

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks on Sunday with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

The meeting, which took place during al-Sharaa’s first official foreign visit since assuming office, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including energy, technology, education and health, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Al-Sharaa, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia’s support for Syria’s future. “We sensed and heard a real desire to support Syria and build its future, and a keenness on supporting the will of the Syrian people and the unity and safety of their territories,” he told Syria’s state news agency SANA.

The Syrian president highlighted plans for a “real partnership” aimed at maintaining regional peace and stability while improving economic conditions for Syrians. The talks follow recent diplomatic discussions held in Riyadh last month.

Saudi Arabia has been spearheading diplomatic efforts to lift sanctions on Syria to help revive its economy and improve living conditions for its people.