Today: 21 October 2025
19 May 2023
1 min read

Syrian President in Jeddah to attend Arab League Summit

The visit, the first since the beginning of the ongoing Syrian war in 2011, comes as Damascus and Riyadh have resumed diplomatic missions…reports Asian Lite News

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has arrived in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah to attend the Arab League’s 32nd Summit on Friday, marking the first time since the war-torn nation was suspended from the regional body 12 years ago.

Upon his arrival late Thursday night, Assad was greeted by Prince Badr bin Sultan, the deputy governor of Mecca, along with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, and several other local officials, according to the Syrian presidential media office in Damascus.

Striking a positive vibe, Assad smiled while shaking hands with the officials receiving him at the airport.

The visit, the first since the beginning of the ongoing Syrian war in 2011, comes as Damascus and Riyadh have resumed diplomatic missions in both countries, which had been suspended since November 2011.

Earlier this month, the Arab League voted to reinstate Syria’s membership in the 22-member regional bloc.

At a meeting of the Arab League Foreign Ministers on Wednesday, Aboul-Gheit had declared that he hoped that “Syria’s regaining of its seat is a precursor to the end of its conflict”, reports the BBC.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also welcomed Syria, saying: “Our world today is facing numerous challenges and difficulties that place us at a crossroads… It is necessary for us to stand together and try harder to strengthen joint Arab action to meet them.”

As a result of the war in Syria, half of the country’s pre-conflict population of 22 million have had to flee their homes.

Some 6.8 million people are internally displaced, while another 6 million are refugees or asylum-seekers abroad, reports the BBC.

Even before the February 6 devastating earthquake struck, an estimated 15.3 million people inside Syria were in need of some form of humanitarian assistance — an all-time high since the war began.

ALSO READ: Sudan, Syria, Palestine top Arab League talks in Jeddah

Previous Story

Wheels India ramps up production

Next Story

UAE, Italy boost economic partnership

Latest from -Top News

Clearing A Mess in Gaza

Municipalities across Gaza have mobilized their limited resources to clear streets and set up temporary shelters for thousands of displaced families…reports Asian Lite News The conflict has left behind an estimated 55

Gaza, Malaysia to help Gaza Rebuild

Egyptian, Malaysian leaders discuss Gaza aid, reconstruction amid ceasefire…reports Asian Lite News Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke by phone about efforts to support Gaza’s reconstruction,

Netanyahu to Run Again in 2026

When asked whether he expects to win, Netanyahu said, “Yes.”…reports Asian Lite News Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his bid for re-election in the 2026 parliamentary polls. He made the

UK backs Egypt-led Gaza stabilisation force

Britain takes an advisory and strategic role in US-backed efforts to establish a UN-mandated international force in Gaza and guide reconstruction plans estimated at £50bn…reports Asian Lite News Britain is taking a
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Syria, Israel begin quiet talks

The announcement came just hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly carried

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi