Saudi Arabia expands tourist visa eligibility to four more countries

On Wednesday, the defense ministers of Saudi Arabia and Syria inked a military cooperation pact during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh. The visit coincided with the second meeting between the two leaders within a month, illustrating the deepening of their relationship. While the specifics of the military pact have not been disclosed, earlier reports indicated Syria's interest in supporting the war against Iran-backed Houthis.

Furthermore, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani revealed that Damascus is contemplating joining the Mecca Pact, a group currently comprising Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt. The Saudi Fund for Development and Syria's Finance Ministry subsequently signed six agreements worth over $403 million. These funds aim to rebuild and equip damaged healthcare facilities, rehabilitate Aleppo's thermal power plant, repair housing, and bolster civil defense.

Saudi Arabia's investment ties with Syria have already expanded, encompassing energy, telecommunications, aviation, and real estate sectors. In February, both nations announced substantial investment deals, including a large-scale telecommunications project, a low-cost joint airline, and an international airport in northern Syria.

The telecommunications investment, valued at nearly $1 billion, was to be executed in two stages over 18 months to two years. The Saudi-led joint venture, flynas Syria, would see 51% ownership held by Syria and 49% by flynas.