The Syrian president meets with the Saudi Minister of Culture at the Damascus International Book Fair 2026
In a move reflecting the deep and growing fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries, His Excellency President Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, received today at the Conference Palace in Damascus, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This important meeting took place on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, in which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor, embodying the high cultural standing that the Kingdom enjoys in international and regional forums.
His Highness the Minister of Culture began the meeting by conveying the greetings and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister – may God protect them – to their brother, the Syrian President, expressing the sincere wishes of the Saudi leadership for His Excellency's continued health and happiness, and for the Syrian Arab Republic and its brotherly people continued progress, prosperity, and stability. His Highness also congratulated the Syrian President on the opening of the Damascus International Book Fair, a long-established cultural beacon in the region.
Dimensions of cultural diplomacy
This meeting holds particular strategic importance, as it comes within the framework of strengthening joint Arab action and activating the tools of soft power represented by cultural and intellectual exchange. The Kingdom's participation as guest of honor at this major cultural event underscores the shared desire to build bridges of communication between creative individuals and intellectuals in both countries, and to revitalize the historical relations that bind Damascus and Riyadh. Observers note that this high-level Saudi presence reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the cultural movement in Syria and contributing to enriching the Arab intellectual landscape.
The meeting addressed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various cultural fields, including heritage preservation, exchanging expertise in organizing literary and artistic events, and supporting the publishing industry. Both sides emphasized that culture is a fundamental pillar in strengthening relations between peoples, and that the historical and geographical ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria provide a solid foundation for greater integration in the future.
High-level delegation
The meeting was attended by a high-level Saudi delegation, including Royal Court Advisor Mohammed bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, and Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaiq. Also participating were Royal Court Advisor Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Muhaisin, General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar, and a select group of Saudi intellectuals and writers participating in the Kingdom's delegation to the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, representing a distinguished face of Saudi Arabia's evolving culture.
