In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian President Bashar Assad (left) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday appointed Ayman Soussan, an assistant foreign minister, to serve as Syria's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, months after the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

A statement from Syria's state news agency SANA confirmed that Soussan was officially sworn in before Assad on Wednesday, marking the first Syrian ambassador to be dispatched to the Kingdom since 2012.

On April 12, the Syrian Foreign Ministry announced the restoration of consular services and air travel between Syria and Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia cut off ties with Syria and expelled the then-Syrian Ambassador Mahdi Dakhlallah in 2012 against the backdrop of the Syrian war.

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On April 12, the Syrian Foreign Ministry announced the restoration of consular services and air travel between Syria and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in healing the strained relations between the two countries.

On May 10, the ministry further declared the resumption of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, reciprocating the kingdom's decision to reinstate its diplomatic representatives in Syria.