Saudi king to boost Syria ties in Damascus visit

The Saudi monarch will pay an official visit to Syria in an attempt to improve relations between the two Arab nations following years of strained ties.

King Abdullah’s trip to Damascus hints that the Saudi-Syria ties are improving, after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri caused a rift in bilateral relations.

Hariri was assassinated on February 14, 2005, when explosives equivalent to around 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) of TNT were detonated as his motorcade drove past the St. George Hotel in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Riyadh engaged into Lebanese political affairs following Hariri’s murder, and supported anti-Syrian political groups.

Another point of tension between Damascus and Riyadh is Syria’s close relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia, like Egypt, has been trying to peel Syria away from Iran but such moves so far have proven to be of no avail.

Bashaar al-Assad and King Abdullah have held three meetings over the past two years. The Syrian leader last paid a visit to the kingdom and took part at King Abdullah’s September 23 inauguration of an international science university near Jeddah.