Saudi Arabia has appointed its first ambassador to Syria since 2012, marking a significant diplomatic development. Dr. Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel will serve as Riyadh’s envoy to Damascus, signaling an ongoing thaw in relations between the two countries.
The announcement comes over a year after Syria was readmitted to the 22-member Arab League. For more than a decade, Syria remained suspended from the group due to President Bashar Assad’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2011. Riyadh had severed ties with Damascus in 2012, but this recent appointment signifies a renewed engagement.
Context and Regional Dynamics
The Syrian civil war, now in its 14th year, has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. Efforts to find a viable political solution have faced challenges, but recent seismic events, such as the devastating earthquake in February 2023, have prompted Arab countries to reestablish ties with President Assad.
Saudi Arabia’s Broader Diplomatic Landscape
In March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties, aiming to reduce conflict between the two countries. While Iran has been a key ally for the Assad government in Syria, Saudi Arabia has led a coalition against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015.
As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engages in wide-ranging security discussions, including ending Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza, the appointment of an ambassador to Syria further underscores the Kingdom’s evolving foreign policy.
