Saudi Arabia reopens embassy in Syria after over decade of isolation
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Saudi Arabia officially reopened on Monday its embassy in Syria, marking a key step in improving the diplomatic relations between the two countries after more than a decade of isolation.
Abdullah al-Harith, Saudi Arabia’s Chargé d’Affaires, stressed at the reception in Damascus, the significance of the embassy’s reopening as a milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
Al-Harith said that this “represents an important moment in the history of relations between our two brotherly countries,” reaffirming Riyadh’s commitment to strengthening ties with Damascus.
Syrian officials, including Ayman Raad, Syria’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, welcomed this move and emphasized the strong ties and friendship between the nations.
The reopening of the Saudi embassy comes a year after Syria reestablished its own diplomatic mission in Riyadh, a move that marked the beginning of the reconciliation process between the two countries.
In 2012, Saudi Arabia closed its embassy in Damascus due to the Syrian government’s violent response to protests. In early 2024, however, the Gulf country reopened its embassy.
Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in Arab efforts to restore relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following the tensions that arose after the protests began in 2011.