Arab League welcomes back Syria into Arab fold, hails Iran-Saudi détente

Arab leaders have welcomed Syria back to the Arab League and praised the recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The 32nd Summit of the Arab League was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday. 

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria was at the center of attention. Syria was back in the league after 12 years. The organization agreed to readmit Syria on May 7, in defiance of threats from Washington.

A wave of diplomatic reconciliation in the region was generated after Iran and Saudi Arabia announced the reestablishment of relations following a China-brokered deal in March. Since then, Saudi Arabia has adopted measures to normalize Damascus and end the devastating war in Yemen.

Addressing the summit, several participants hailed recent developments as a means of enhancing regional stability.

In the opening speech of the summit, Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane said he "loudly" welcomes Syria "back to its seat among its brothers."

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani of Iraq welcomed Syria to its  "rightful place."

He said the return was a "crucial step" in restoring regional stability. And he hailed the Tehran-Riyadh agreement as a "significant and constructive step" which will serve the ultimate goal of promoting regional prosperity, Iraqi News Agency reported.

Assad: Arab League summit 'historic opportunity' to address regional issues ‘without foreign interference’

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Arab League summit is a "historic opportunity" to address regional issues "without foreign interference."

Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said it was a summit of "healing wounds" since the event "was preceded by an agreement to restore normal relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and also the return of sisterly Syria to play its full role in the League of Arab States," according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

King Abdullah II of Jordan also welcomed Syria back during his speech. The monarch said this was a principal step towards a political resolution. He called for ramping up efforts to end the crisis in Syria and addressing its humanitarian, security, and political implications so that the refugees can return home, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah said the Tehran-Riyadh detente will have positive effects on the region. He underscored the need to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Syria. Kuwait rejects any external interference in Syria's internal affairs and supports its return to the Arab League as a prelude to ending its crisis, the king said.

Tunisian President Kais Saied welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League after "thwarting the plot aimed at fragmenting it."

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt said Syria's return meant the League's role had been activated. His comments came after he shook hands with Assad as leaders walked into the main hall.

The Jeddah Declaration issued following the Summit also embraced the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to activate security and economic cooperation. Hoping that Syria's participation will contribute to supporting its stability and preserving its territorial integrity, the declaration pointed to the need to continue and intensify Arab efforts to help Syria overcome the crisis.

The United States has gone to great lengths over the past years to regionally isolate Iran and Syria. The expanding diplomacy in the region has proved Washington’s efforts ineffective.

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