His Excellency Professor Dr. Koutoub Mustafa Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, received His Excellency Ambassador Mohsen Mahbash, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Monday, 2 Dhul Qa‘dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 20 April 2026, at the headquarters of the Academy’s General Secretariat.

His Excellency conveyed the greetings of His Excellency Dr. Asaad Hassan Al‑Shaybani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the greetings of His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Abu Al‑Khair Shukri, Minister of Awqaf. He praised the scholarly standing of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and its significant role in addressing emerging issues and studying contemporary challenges, as reflected in its resolutions and recommendations, which are well‑received by scholars and thinkers around the world. He also affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Academy and to work toward appointing a representative to its Council, in a manner that enhances institutional and scholarly collaboration and reinforces Syria’s presence in the journey of joint Islamic work.

For his part, His Excellency the Secretary-General welcomed the return of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, expressing his appreciation for the distinguished scholarly contributions of Syrian scholars since the Academy’s establishment and for their pioneering role in enriching its intellectual and academic mission. He commended Syria’s restoration of its active position in the international community and emphasised the importance of resuming its participation in joint Islamic efforts. He also stressed the importance of expediting the appointment of a representative for Syria in the Academy to enhance its effective participation in the Academy’s work and deliberations. Furthermore, he called for signing a cooperation agreement with the Syrian Ministry of Awqaf to develop bilateral relations and expand areas of coordination and collaboration.

His Excellency also affirmed the Academy’s full readiness to cooperate with a distinguished group of Syrian scholars and to benefit from their expertise and academic capabilities in serving the causes of the Ummah and advancing the path of collective jurisprudential reasoning in a way that fulfils the objectives of Islamic law and meets the needs of contemporary societies.

At the conclusion of the visit, His Excellency the Ambassador wrote a note in the guestbook, stating: “The Islamic Ummah today is in great need of cooperation and consultation, and we ask God that your esteemed Academy will play a prominent role in this regard.”

The meeting was attended by Mr. Muhammad Al‑Mundhir Redha Al‑Shawk, Director of the Cabinet and Protocol.