RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AFP) – Saudi Arabia was preparing to host an Arab regional meeting on ending Syria’s isolation at a time of dizzying diplomatic shifts following its deal to restart ties with rival Iran. It was one of those events that were almost unimaginable before the historic, Chinese-brokered announcement of Saudi Arabia and Iran on March 10. resume relationshipsSeven years after an acrimonious split. An Iranian delegation landed in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to pave the way for the reopening of diplomatic missions, after a Saudi team traveled in the opposite direction. But analysts say Saudi Arabia is now seeking to calm the sector so it can focus on domestic projects aimed at diversifying its energy-dependent economy. The UAE has taken the lead in bringing Syria back into the Arab region, with Sheikh Mohammed saying last month that “the time has come” to reintegrate Damascus into the wider region.

Source: Daily Nation April 13, 2023 19:12 UTC