MOSCOW, December 7. /TASS/. Russia and Saudi Arabia hope that Syria coming back into the fold at meetings of the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers will help resolve the Syrian crisis, according to a statement that followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Riyadh.
"Regarding Syria, both sides highly appreciated the Arab League's decision to resume the participation of Syrian government delegations in the meetings of the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers and related organizations and bodies, and expressed hope that this would help support the stability and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, resolve the Syrian crisis and facilitate the safe voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland," said the joint Russian-Saudi statement published on the Kremlin's website.
According to the statement, during the talks, "the Russian side welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Iran, expressing hope that this step will help strengthen security and stability in the region while preserving the sovereignty of the countries and non-interference in their internal affairs."
On Yemen, "both sides underscored full support for international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis," and praised Saudi Arabia's efforts "to promote dialogue and reconciliation between the Yemeni sides."
Putin and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud underscored the importance of adhering to the Jeddah Declaration on the Protection of Civilians in Sudan to "end the ongoing conflict and return to political dialogue between all sides." At the conclusion of the visit, the Russian president thanked the crown prince "for his warm welcome and generous hospitality."
On December 6, Putin visited both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, marking his first visit to the countries since 2019. In the UAE, he was received by President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in Saudi Arabia by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.