Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed four agreements covering roads, railways, aviation and postal services, expanding a fast-growing economic partnership centred on rebuilding infrastructure and improving regional trade links. The agreements were completed during a visit to Damascus by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, who led a delegation of public and private-sector officials. Al-Jasser also met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as the two governments explored further cooperation in transport, logistics and infrastructure development.
Two memorandums of understanding signed by Al-Jasser and Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Suleiman Badr focus on roads and railways. They provide for technical studies, capacity building, expertise sharing and cooperation designed to rehabilitate and modernise Syria’s transport networks. The measures also seek to improve safety, digitalisation and operational standards while supporting training and localisation of railway-related industries.
Improved land links are emerging as a central element of the partnership. Damascus wants to restore road and railway infrastructure damaged or neglected during more than a decade of conflict, while Riyadh is seeking stronger regional logistics corridors as Saudi Arabia expands its role as a transport and distribution hub.
Officials also discussed measures to facilitate the movement of trucks and goods between the two countries. Saudi steps to simplify visa procedures for Syrian truck drivers are expected to reduce obstacles to bilateral freight movements and help increase trade flows. The two sides are examining how Syria could become part of wider regional transport routes connecting the Gulf with Jordan, Turkey and other markets.
Civil aviation forms the third pillar of the agreements. Al-Jasser and Omar Al-Hosari, head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, signed an air transport agreement aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening cooperation between aviation authorities. The deal comes as Syria seeks to rebuild airport infrastructure and restore international connections after years of isolation.
Aviation cooperation is already attracting substantial Saudi investment. Earlier this year, investment plans included a $2 billion programme for the phased development of two airports in Aleppo and the proposed establishment of Flynas Syria, a joint venture involving Saudi low-cost carrier flynas and Syria’s civil aviation authority. The airline has been targeted for operations from late 2026, with plans to connect Syria with destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
The fourth agreement focuses on postal and logistics services. Syrian Communications and Information Technology Minister Abdul Salam Haykal and Al-Jasser signed a memorandum linking the Syrian Postal Corporation with Saudi Post, known as SPL. Cooperation will include technical expertise, logistics systems and the movement of mail and small parcels between the two markets.
Postal modernisation also intersects with the expansion of e-commerce and digital infrastructure in Syria. The agreement complements SilkLink, a fibre-optic project involving stc that is designed to establish a network stretching across the country and improve Syria’s position as a communications corridor between Asia and Europe.
The transport agreements form part of a broader surge in Saudi-Syrian commercial activity following the change of government in Damascus in December 2024. A Saudi-Syrian investment forum in July 2025 produced 47 agreements and memorandums valued at about SR24 billion, or $6.4 billion, spanning infrastructure, property, telecommunications, energy, finance, tourism and industry.
A further package announced in February 2026 included dozens of agreements and investment commitments across aviation, telecommunications, water and other strategic sectors. Projects included airport development, digital infrastructure and cooperation in water supply, reflecting Saudi companies’ growing interest in Syria’s large reconstruction requirements.
Financial links are also being strengthened. Syrian and Saudi representatives agreed this week to work towards establishing a joint bank and creating direct regulated banking channels for investment transfers. The initiative is intended to make it easier for companies and investors to finance projects and move funds between the two countries.
The improving investment environment has coincided with Syria’s gradual return to international financial networks. The United States removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list on August 24, eliminating a major barrier to international banking and investment. Visa and Mastercard subsequently completed international card transactions in Syria, signalling another step towards restoring cross-border payment infrastructure.
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