Syria has reaffirmed the strength of its relations with Saudi Arabia during a visit by the Saudi ambassador to Damascus, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, to the Saudi pavilion, guest of honor at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the fair, held from Feb. 6-16, is led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.
At the start of the visit, Al-Mujfel met Syria’s Minister of Culture, Mohammad Yassin Saleh, who welcomed the Kingdom’s designation as guest of honor as a clear affirmation of the depth of Saudi-Syrian cultural relations, based on partnership and mutual respect.
Saleh praised Saudi Arabia’s cultural efforts and commended the pavilion for showcasing activities that reflect the richness and diversity of Saudi cultural heritage.
He noted that the Saudi program highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting culture and literature at both the Arab and international levels. The pavilion features a wide range of events, including seminars and poetry evenings, with the participation of leading Saudi writers and intellectuals.
During a guided tour, the Saudi ambassador was briefed on the creative diversity presented at the pavilion. Exhibits include a collection of manuscripts, a section dedicated to traditional Saudi attire, displays of archaeological replicas, and a selection of publications issued by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.
Among the featured works are titles from the “Translate” initiative, the “Saudi Literature Comics” series, and short story collections from Saudi authors, offering visitors insight into the Kingdom’s contemporary literary scene.
The commission is overseeing Saudi Arabia’s participation as guest of honor at the 2026 book fair, presenting what it described as a vibrant cultural experience that celebrates Saudi creativity and promotes dialogue through books.
The program aligns with the Kingdom’s National Culture Strategy under Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and constructive dialogue among nations, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role in the Arab and global cultural landscape.
The visit was attended by several Arab diplomats accompanying the Saudi ambassador, including the ambassadors of Bahrain, Oman and Lebanon, as well as the chargé d’affaires of the United Arab Emirates embassy in Damascus.
