Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan considered that increased communication with Syria could pave the way for its return to the Arab League as relations improve after over a decade of isolation. However, he stated that it is too early to discuss such a step at this time.
The Saudi minister reiterated that there is growing consensus in the Arab world that isolating Syria is ineffective and that dialogue with Damascus is necessary, especially to address the humanitarian situation there.
In remarks to journalists in London on Tuesday, he stated, "Dialogue to address these concerns is essential. This could ultimately lead to Syria's return to the Arab League and beyond."
In response to a question about whether Syria would be invited to the summit, Prince Faisal said, "I think it is too early to talk about that."
He added, "I can say that there is a consensus in opinion in the Arab world, and the current situation cannot continue. This means we have to find a way to overcome it."
Saudi Arabia will host the Arab summit this year. Algeria hosted the first Arab summit since before the COVID-19 pandemic in November; however, Damascus did not participate after the host country failed to convince other Arab nations to lift Syria's suspension of membership.
Syria remains largely isolated from the rest of the Arab world following a brutal campaign by its President Bashar al-Assad against protests against his rule in 2011. The Arab League suspended Syria's membership in 2011, and many Arab countries withdrew their envoys from Damascus.
