Syria and Saudi Arabia take steps towards diplomatic normalization.

Syria and Saudi Arabia are taking steps to resume consular services and flights between the two countries for the first time in more than a decade, following a visit by Syria’s top diplomat to Saudi Arabia, the first since the kingdom cut off diplomatic relations with Syria in 2012. The joint statement issued on Thursday agreed on the need for a “comprehensive political settlement of the Syrian crisis that would … achieve national reconciliation, and contribute to the return of Syria to its Arab fold”. Syria's membership in the Arab League is expected to be discussed at the next Arab League summit in May, but some members, mainly Qatar, have opposed Damascus’s return to the organisation.