DAMASCUS — Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Tuesday at the Conference Palace in Damascus, on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, where Saudi Arabia is participating as Guest of Honor.At the outset of the meeting, Prince Badr conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prime minister, to the Syrian president, along with their wishes for his good health and happiness, and for continued progress and prosperity for Syria and its people.Prince Badr also congratulated President Al-Sharaa on the occasion of hosting the Damascus International Book Fair 2026.The meeting underscored the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries and highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation and joint initiatives.A number of Saudi intellectuals participating in the Damascus International Book Fair 2026 also attended the meeting.