According to Archyde.com, three sources familiar with the matter have reported that Saudi Arabia and Syria have agreed to reopen their embassies, having ended diplomatic ties more than ten years ago. This move is expected to facilitate the return of Damascus to the Arab ranks. The development comes two weeks following Saudi Arabia and Iran decided to resume relations and reopen their embassies following seven years of heightened tensions between the two nations, with mediation from China. Last month, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stated that “a consensus began to form in the Arab world that there is no point in isolating Syria,” indicating a need for dialogue with Damascus at some point. Recent aid efforts by Riyadh to earthquake-affected areas controlled by the Syrian government have also been noted. Initially, aid was dispatched only to northwestern Syria, an opposition-controlled area.
Archyde.com quoted three well-informed sources, on Thursday, as saying that Saudi Arabia and Syria had agreed to reopen their embassies following severing diplomatic relations more than a decade ago.
This step would greatly pave the way for the return of Damascus to the Arab ranks.
This comes regarding two weeks following Saudi Arabia and Iran decided to resume relations between them and reopen their embassies in both countries, following 7 years of tensions between the two countries, with Chinese mediation.
And the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said in statements last month that “a consensus began to form in the Arab world that there is no point in isolating Syria, and that dialogue with Damascus is required at some point in time.”
It is noteworthy that Riyadh sent planes loaded with aid to stricken areas controlled by the Syrian government, as part of earthquake relief efforts, following initially sending aid only to northwestern Syria, which is under opposition control.
In summary, the news of Saudi Arabia and Syria reopening their embassies is a significant step towards the normalization of relations between the two countries. This move can heavily influence the return of Damascus to the Arab ranks. With the recent resumption of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, it seems like a consensus might be forming in the Arab world to start engaging in dialogue with Damascus. The fact that Saudi Arabia sent aid to stricken areas controlled by the Syrian government, showcases a willingness to cooperate and rebuild bridges between the two nations. Only time will tell how this will pan out, but one thing is for sure – this is a significant diplomatic development that might potentially lead to a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East.
