RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday strongly condemned the explosion near a building of the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus, which left one soldier dead and several civilians injured.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s firm rejection of all forms of violence and expressed solidarity with the brotherly Syrian Arab Republic.
The ministry also extended condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Asaad Al-Shaibani.
During the call, they discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments of mutual interest, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.
📞 | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan received a phone call from Syrian Foreign Minister @AsaadHShaibani. pic.twitter.com/h7X4FEbpiu
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia and Syria have witnessed growing diplomatic engagement in recent years following the restoration of bilateral ties and wider Arab efforts aimed at reintegrating Damascus into regional diplomacy.
It may be recalled that in early 2025, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa chose Saudi Arabia for his first foreign visit as Syria’s new leader.
In May 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman successfully persuaded US President Donald Trump to lift American sanctions on Syria and arranged a meeting between Trump and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in the Kingdom.
In recent years, Riyadh has focused on humanitarian support for Syrian communities affected by conflict, providing aid in the form of food, medical assistance, and reconstruction programmes.
Saudi initiatives aim to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, support displaced populations, and contribute to the long-term recovery and stability of Syria.
