Syria says military cooperation with Saudi Arabia could evolve into mutual defense agreement

DAMASCUS — Syria’s military cooperation with Saudi Arabia could eventually develop into a mutual defense agreement or lead to Damascus joining the Makkah Alliance, a Syrian diplomatic source told the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).The source said existing military agreements between the two countries focus on training, exchanging expertise and providing military consultations in support of their shared national interests.The cooperation primarily aims to train Syrian military personnel and strengthen the capabilities of the country’s armed forces, the source said, adding that Saudi delegations are expected to begin coordination visits to Syria next month.The source indicated that the partnership could expand in the future to include a mutual defense agreement or Syria’s accession to the Makkah Alliance, depending on the shared interests of both countries.However, the diplomatic source denied reports suggesting that Syria was preparing to deploy military forces to Yemen.The source said such claims were baseless, emphasizing that Syria’s priorities in the coming period remain focused on consolidating internal security, advancing reconstruction and achieving economic recovery.The remarks follow the signing of a military cooperation agreement between the Saudi and Syrian defense ministries during Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh last week.