MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in preventing corruption and combating cross-border financial crimes.
The agreement is the latest sign of deepening ties between Riyadh and Damascus as Syria rebuilds after the fall of Bashar Assad. It was signed on May 28 at the headquarters of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, in Makkah, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Nazaha president Mazin Al-Kahmous signed on behalf of the Kingdom, while Syria was represented by Amer Al-Ali, chairman of the Syrian Central Commission for Control and Inspection.
The MoU aims to boost cooperation in combating transnational corruption crimes, exchanging information and expertise, and strengthening the institutional capacities of both countries. Officials from both sides also reviewed measures aimed at promoting transparency, protecting integrity and enhancing governance standards.
The agreement comes as Saudi Arabia intensifies political and economic engagement with Syria following the collapse of the Assad government in late 2024 and the rise of President Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s administration.
In April, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Al-Sharaa in Jeddah, where they discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and coordinating on regional developments.
Saudi Arabia has since emerged as one of the leading Arab backers of Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into regional and international systems.
This month, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani also held talks in Jeddah with officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission on cooperation in human rights, humanitarian issues and legal institutional development.
Economic ties between Riyadh and Damascus have accelerated in recent months. Saudi Arabia and Syria earlier signed a framework agreement launching 45 development initiatives spanning aviation, telecommunications, infrastructure, industry and workforce training.
Saudi Arabia also announced major investments in Syria’s telecoms and aviation sectors, including a $1 billion digital connectivity project led by stc and plans to help develop airports in Aleppo.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih described the agreements as marking “a new phase in economic cooperation” between the two countries.
Saudi diplomatic support has also played a role in Syria’s international rehabilitation. Analysts say the crown prince helped facilitate discussions with US President Donald Trump that contributed to Washington easing sanctions on Syria as the country seeks recovery under its new leadership.
