The Syrian president meets with the Saudi Minister of Culture at the Damascus International Book Fair 2026
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges of communication between brotherly nations, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, received His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today at the Conference Palace in Damascus. This high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor, adding an exceptional dimension to this prestigious cultural event.
Friendly messages and confirmation of the depth of relations
His Highness the Minister of Culture began the meeting by conveying the greetings 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. The message included sincere wishes 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, praising the excellent organization and the warm reception accorded to the Saudi delegation.
The Kingdom is the guest of honor... Implications and dimensions
The selection of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the guest of honor at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair reflects the enduring historical ties between Damascus and Riyadh. This participation presents a valuable opportunity to bolster joint cultural exchange, as the fair serves as a vital platform for intellectuals and creative minds from both countries to share ideas and experiences. This step is particularly significant given the regional trend toward strengthening Arab cooperation, where culture plays a pivotal role in bridging perspectives and reinforcing the social fabric of the Arab world.
Prospects for future cultural cooperation
The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various cultural fields, including heritage preservation, visual arts, literature, and publishing. Both sides emphasized that culture is a soft power capable of overcoming challenges, and that investing in knowledge and the arts is an investment in the future of coming generations. Observers note that this high-level Saudi presence in Damascus carries significant political and cultural implications, underscoring the renewed warmth in Arab-Arab relations and the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in the regional cultural landscape.
High-level delegation
The meeting was attended by a high-level Saudi delegation that included 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 present were Royal Court Advisor Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Muhaisin, General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar, and a number of prominent Saudi intellectuals and writers participating in the exhibition, enriching the cultural program with their diverse contributions.
