Syria denies reports of joining Yemen war, says it has no plans to open new fronts

Syria on Wednesday denied reports that it could join the war in Yemen, while stressing its support for Saudi Arabia in confronting threats to its security and saying its regional policy was not based on “opening new fronts”.

Earlier on Wednesday, international reports claimed that Saudi Arabia had asked Syria to deploy troops to fight the Houthis, and that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa discussed the possibility of providing military assistance during his visit to the kingdom on Tuesday.

Al-Sharaa met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, where they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, economic cooperation and Syria’s reconstruction, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

READ: After years of displacement, Syrian Christians return home as children go back to schools

In response to what it described as “claims that Syria is joining the war in Yemen”, the Syrian Ministry of Information said, according to state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV, that “Syria’s position is clear: we stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in confronting threats targeting its security and stability”.

 “At the same time, Syria’s policy in the region is based on stability, peace and cooperation, not on opening new fronts,” it added.

“Our absolute priority is Syria, through rebuilding the country, strengthening its institutions, working with our partners on reconstruction efforts and improving the living standards of Syrian citizens,” it said.

It stressed that “any military cooperation with partner countries will take place only through official channels and existing bilateral frameworks”.

READ: Turkey, Syria reject claims of meeting between Syrian government, Hezbollah officials