Arab states are to hold a meeting on Friday in Saudi Arabia to discuss ties with Syria and the possibility of Damascus returning to the Arab League.
Regional efforts have increased during the past few weeks to re-engage with Syria and reduce its isolation from the Arab world following its decades-long civil war.
Ministers from the Gulf Co-operation Council countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, have been invited to meet in Jeddah on Friday, said Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari.
“The main objective is to discuss the situation in Syria,” he said.
“There are many developments regarding the situation in Syria and Arab views towards Syria’s return to the Arab League.”
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has visited the UAE and Oman this year.
Last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani is expected to attend the meeting. The Iraqi government said it was considering the invitation.
The development comes after Riyadh said last month it has begun discussions with Damascus on resuming diplomatic relations.
The resumption of ties between the two would be the most significant development yet in moves by Arab states to normalise ties with Mr Al Assad.
The majority of Arab and Western states cut relations with the government of Mr Al Assad after Syria’s war began in 2011.
MATCH INFO
Aston Villa 1 (Konsa 63')
Sheffield United 0
Red card: Jon Egan (Sheffield United)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
