development storydevelopment story,
The visit is the latest sign of a move toward restoring relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia, with Assad emerging from the cold.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Al-Miqdad arrived on a visit to Saudi Arabia, with the growth of relations between Damascus and Riyadh, and it became increasingly likely that relations between the two Arab countries would be restored.
Saudi and Syrian state media reported that Al-Miqdad arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the two sides will hold a “discussion session on efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability.”
The statement added that they will also discuss “facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and securing humanitarian access to affected areas in Syria.”
This visit is the first by a Syrian foreign minister to Saudi Arabia since 2011, when the war in Syria began. Saudi Arabia has supported the Syrian opposition, but relations have improved in recent months.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has largely defeated the opposition, with Russian and Iranian support.
Over the past few months, there has been increasing interaction with Assad, who has been isolated since the beginning of the Syrian war.
Assad visited the UAE and Oman this year, and Saudi Arabia said last month it had begun talks with Damascus about resuming consular services.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is hosting a meeting of the region’s foreign ministers on Friday to discuss Syria’s return to the Arab League.
Last month, official Saudi media reported that discussions were taking place between Damascus and Riyadh to resume consular services, after media reports emerged of a possible restoration of relations.
Diplomatic efforts have gained momentum since Saudi Arabia agreed to a rapprochement with Iran, a key ally of the Syrian government, last month.
“Subtly charming student. Pop culture junkie. Creator. Amateur music specialist. Beer fanatic.”