RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Saudi monarchy welcomed Syrian President Bashar Assad to Riyadh to discuss Palestinian issues and emerging trends in Yemen.
Syrian and Saudi Arabian relations were strained in the wake of a U.N. resolution calling for the disarming of Hezbollah, a Damascus ally, in 2004.
Damascus, however, has sought to repair years of isolationist policies by moving closer to the region. Riyadh, for its part, is advocating Arab unity ahead of the possible relaunch of peace talks with Israel.
The official Syrian Arab News Agency described the talks as focusing on "rapidly developed relations between the two brotherly countries."
Both sides also expressed their support for the Yemeni government and its people as the government in Sanaa deals with a series of security and natural-resource challenges.
King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia in October made his first trip to Damascus since assuming power in 2005. The visit was credited with helping develop a unity government in Lebanon following June parliamentary elections.
Analysts said the October visit was a historic move for the region, with both countries holding considerable influence over a wide range of Arab affairs.
Saudi Arabia reinstated its ambassador to Damascus in August.
