Syrian foreign minister makes surprise visit to Saudi Arabia

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking another milestone for the country’s reintegration into the Arab world. 

Mekdad was invited to the kingdom by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. They will discuss bilateral relations and other areas of mutual interest, Syria’s official SANA news outlet reported. 

The official Saudi Press Agency reported that Mekdad and Farhan will discuss “a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability” as well as the return of refugees to Syria and humanitarian assistance to the country.

Why it matters: The visit was Mekdad’s first to Saudi Arabia in more than 10 years. Like other countries in the region, Saudi Arabia severed relations with Syria in 2012 and began supporting rebel groups in the ongoing civil war. 

Reuters reported last month that Saudi Arabia was going to resume normal diplomatic relations with Syria. Mekdad’s visit is a strong indication it could be imminent. 

Saudi Arabia’s warming to Syria follows the kingdom resuming diplomatic relations with Iran last month in a deal brokered by China. Iran is a major backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government. 

Saudi Arabia will also host regional foreign ministers on Friday for discussions on Syria’s return to the Arab League. Syria was expelled from the organization in 2012 over the civil war. 

Know more: Syria and Tunisia also agreed to resume diplomatic relations earlier on Wednesday.