Every handshake would count, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had enough at Friday’s Arab League summit — along with hugs and kisses — from his former enemies in the region.
As he walked into the prime location in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Friday afternoon, a beaming al-Assad stretched out his arms to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who grabbed them both and kissed Assad once on each cheek.
Al-Assad is welcome back in the Arab League after more than a decade of isolation. been Friday the first time he had been invited to the summit since his country suspended the blog following the outbreak of war in Syria in 2011.
As the leaders entered the main hall, al-Assad greeted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, among others.
During his speech, al-Assad said the summit was a “historic opportunity” to address crises across the region.
“I hope this marks the beginning of a new phase of Arab action for solidarity among us, for peace in our region, development and prosperity instead of war and destruction,” al-Assad told those present at the summit.
Analysts said Syria’s readmission to the 22-member Arab League is a strong signal that al-Assad’s isolation is coming to an end.
Syria’s Arab League membership was revoked after al-Assad ordered a crackdown on demonstrators in March 2011, plunging the country into a war that has since killed nearly half a million people and displaced another 23 million.