Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa witnessed the signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries, following talks in Riyadh on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed developments in the region and the serious implications any military escalation could have for regional and international security and stability, freedom of navigation, the continuity of energy supplies and the stability of the global economy. Prince Mohammed and al-Sharaa welcomed the strong convergence of their positions and views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, underscoring the depth of coordination and ongoing consultation between the two countries. They stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions, contain crises, prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, and resolve disputes through peaceful means. They also underscored the need for an immediate cessation of all actions that threaten maritime security and navigation in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.
