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BEIRUT, March 24 (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said Thursday that the kingdom is in talks with Syria to restore consular services for the first time since 2012, according to state media.
State-owned Al Ekhbariya TV reported the discussions, citing sources in the Saudi foreign ministry. Saudi and Syrian officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
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Saudi Arabia backed the Syrian opposition against the government in Damascus during the Syrian uprising that began in 2011 and turned into civil war. In recent years, however, regional reconciliation has been brewing. Last month’s devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey sparked international sympathy and accelerated the process, with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries sending aid to Damascus.
Regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia, which have backed rival groups in the Syrian conflict since 2011, restored diplomatic ties earlier this month in what could be a turning point in Damascus’ political fortunes. The unexpected rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China, quickly had ripple effects across the region.
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Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister publicly acknowledged that there is growing consensus among Arab states on the need for dialogue with Damascus.
Saudi Arabia will host the next Arab League summit in May and most countries want to restore Syria Suspended membership. (Associated Press)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)
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