This handout picture released by the Syrian Presidency Telegram account on May 10, 2023 shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad meeting with Saudi's ambassador to Jordan, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, in Damascus. Assad received an invitation to next week's Arab summit in Saudi Arabia, the presidency said, the first such invitation since the country's war began in 2011. (SYRIAN PRESIDENCY TELEGRAM PAGE / AFP)
DAMASCUS / CAIRO – Syria on Wednesday received an official invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend the upcoming Arab Summit, just days after Syria returned to the Arab League (AL).
The Syrian presidency said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received an invitation from the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to attend the 32nd regular session of the Arab League Council's meeting at the summit level, which will be held in Jeddah city of Saudi Arabia on May 19.
The invitation was handed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by the Saudi ambassador to Jordan Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi
The invitation was handed to Assad by the Saudi ambassador to Jordan Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi.
During the meeting with Al-Sudairi, Assad stressed that the upcoming summit would enhance joint Arab action to achieve the aspirations of the Arab people.
ALSO READ: Syria, Saudi Arabia resume diplomatic missions
The Syrian foreign ministry announced on Tuesday night the resumption of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia following a reciprocal move from the kingdom.
In a statement released before midnight, the ministry said that the decision emanates from the deep ties between the two countries, their people's aspirations, and the importance of enhancing bilateral relations between Arab countries to serve the joint Arab work.
The Syrian move came after Saudi Arabia announced the continuation of its diplomatic mission in Syria earlier on Tuesday.
This comes as the two countries have normalized bilateral relations and recently exchanged visits of foreign ministers.
READ MORE: Syria rejoins Arab League after 12-year absence
On Sunday, Arab foreign ministers decided during a meeting in Cairo to readmit Syria to the Arab League after 12 years of suspension.
On April 12, the Syrian foreign ministry announced that Syria and Saudi Arabia had agreed to resume the consular services and air flights between the two countries, a move which was a prelude to restoring full diplomatic representation on Tuesday.