Saudi Arabia Is Not Planning To Restore Ties With Syria: Arab Diplomat

Syria flag (flickr).

Saudi Arabia is not currently planning to restore ties with Syria, an Arab diplomat told the Istanbul-based Syria TV on October 21.

The unnamed diplomat was responding to statements by Russia’s envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev. The envoy talked about some “positive developments” between Syria and Saudi Arabia during a recent interview with the Syrian daily, Al Watan.

“There are no steps to bring the views closer between Riyadh and the Assad regime,” the diplomat said. “What was stated by the Russian envoy to Syria about the existence of normalization steps is incorrect.”

The diplomat went on to reveal that a number of Arab countries are still opposing restoring Syria’s seat in the Arab League.

Lavrentiev did note during his interview with Al Watan that many Arab countries are cautious about restoring ties with Syria because they are facing pressure from the United States. The envoy revealed that Washington is working hard to prevent Arab countries from providing any economic support to Syria.

Saudi Arabia was among the first Arab countries to sever its relations with Syria and voice its support for the 2011 upraising. Later, the Kingdom played a key role in financing and arming Syrian rebels.

In the last few years, many reports talked about a rapprochement between Saudi Arabi and Syria. Meetings between senior intelligence officials in both countries were confirmed. Yet, these reports didn’t materialize.

Despite its declining economy, restoring relations with the Arab allies of the U.S., like Saudi Arabia, does not appear to be a priority for Syria. The war-torn country has already announced that it is not planning to attend the upcoming Arab League summit.

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