Syria and Saudi Arabia Sign MoU on Housing and Urban Planning Cooperation

Meeting on the Sidelines of WUF13

Syria's Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdul Razzaq, met on Monday with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majid Al-Hogail, to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation in housing, urban development, and urban planning. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), organized by UN-Habitat and held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026, under the theme "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities."

Agenda of Bilateral Discussions

The talks covered Saudi Arabia's humanitarian and developmental support for the Syrian people, as well as future cooperation opportunities in housing, urban development, and urban investment. Both sides also discussed drawing on modern expertise in smart cities and urban transformation as a key pillar in Syria's recovery and rebuilding process.

Framework Memorandum of Understanding

The meeting culminated in the signing of a framework memorandum of understanding between the two parties, aimed at strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange across the following areas:

• Urban planning and sustainable development
• Housing and urban development mechanisms
• Smart cities and digital transformation in urban management
• Improving institutional efficiency in both countries

Bilateral Relations and the Road Ahead

Both ministers reaffirmed the depth of the fraternal ties between Syria and Saudi Arabia, and underscored the importance of strengthening coordination in the coming period to support Syria's development, recovery, and rebuilding efforts on sustainable foundations.

Syria's Participation in the Forum

Syria is attending WUF13 with a ministerial delegation focused on urban development and housing, participating in a global gathering that brings together ministers and senior officials from around the world. The forum is among the United Nations' foremost platforms on urbanization and housing, drawing more than 28,000 participants from approximately 180 countries this year.