Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 6, 2026. (Credit: Handout via Reuters)
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Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh for the second time in six months
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday for an official visit during which he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, the latest regional developments and several issues of common interest, according to Syria’s official news agency, SANA. Sharaa was accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. This marks Sharaa’s second trip to Saudi Arabia since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime.
Why it matters
Riyadh has established itself as one of the main regional backers of Syria’s new authorities since Assad’s fall, supporting both their diplomatic reintegration and the country’s economic reconstruction. Following several multibillion-dollar investment agreements, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key partner for Damascus, particularly in infrastructure, telecommunications and aviation. This latest meeting between Sharaa and MBS comes as the two countries seek to deepen a strategic rapprochement that extends well beyond bilateral relations and forms part of a broader regional realignment.
What to watch
Naim Qassem says he is ready to cooperate on the state’s monopoly on arms, “without diktats.” The Hezbollah secretary-general said Tuesday that his party was “ready to cooperate” with the Lebanese state on domestic issues, notably the state’s monopoly on arms, the economy and coexistence, but “without dictates from American oversight or any other oversight,” and on the basis of the constitution and laws. However, he reiterated that Hezbollah “has nothing to offer” as long as southern Lebanon remains occupied.
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