Saudi Arabia, Syria to reopen embassies restoring relations

Wednesday, 10 May 2023 02:11 [ Last Update: Wednesday, 10 May 2023 02:16 ]

Saudi Arabia and Syria will reopen diplomatic missions between the two countries now that relations have improved 11 years after the facilities were closed, the two nations foreign ministries said Tuesday.

Iran Press/ Middle East: The announcements came nearly a month after Syria and Saudi Arabia said they were moving toward reopening embassies and resuming airline flights. That had followed a visit by Syria’s top diplomat to the kingdom, the first since Saudi Arabia cut off diplomatic relations with Syria in 2012, and a visit by Syria’s foreign minister to Riyadh.

On Sunday, the 22-member Arab League agreed to reinstate Syria, ending a 12-year suspension.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that the reopening of its embassy in Damascus aims “to strengthen security and stability in the region.” It did not say when the embassy will reopen, adding that the move follows the Arab League’s decision to reinstate Syria’s membership.

Syria's Foreign Minister later said that Damascus will resume work at its mission in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the next Arab League summit on May 19 and Syria is expected to attend.

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