Jeddah, 19 May 2023 (GNP): On Thursday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance at an Arab League summit in over a decade of war.
This visit solidifies Assad’s return to the Arab fold, a development eagerly supported by host Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite doubts from certain Arab leaders.
Prince Badr bin Sultan, deputy governor of the Mecca district, welcomed President Assad upon his arrival with a delegation at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi state-affiliated channel Al-Ekhbariya reported.
Arab League conference will give President Assad a significant opportunity to speak individually with many other leaders in attendance.
According to the Syrian pro-government newspaper al-Watan, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Assad would likely meet “a number of leaders in bilateral meetings.”
This crucial diplomatic development follows the Arab League’s 2011 suspension of Damascus due to the government’s brutal suppression of protestors.
Earlier this month, Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League and the invitation extended to President Assad by Saudi Arabia indicate a notable change in regional dynamics.
Although the situation on Syria’s front lines has mostly calmed down, large sections of the country’s north remain outside government control, and a viable political solution to the crisis is still unknown.
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Finding a solution is essential, especially when it comes to the welfare of the millions of Syrian refugees living in countries nearby like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey.
Moreover, several Arab countries are seeking enhanced security cooperation with Syria.
Some claim that Syria has developed into a narco-state, with a $10 billion captagon industry that primarily exports to the Gulf.
President Assad is hoping that improved relations with well-off Arab nations and the monarchies of the Persian Gulf will contribute to funding the country’s much-needed reconstruction efforts.
Following a preliminary discussion on Wednesday in Jeddah, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad highlighted the importance of reconstruction in assisting refugee returns and welcomed any Arab cooperation in this critical effort.
“Reconstruction will facilitate (refugee) returns, and we welcome any Arab role in this field,” said Faisal.
The US, meanwhile, has stated that it “does not believe that Syria merits readmission to the Arab League.”