Syria, diplomatic turning point, Foreign Minister visiting Algeria

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in the Algerian capital of Algiers on an official visit, Syrian media reported on Saturday. Mekdad will hold talks with senior Algerian officials to discuss bilateral relations and coordination as well as the latest developments on the international arena and in inter-Arab relations, the state news agency reported. The top Syrian diplomat said upon his arrival in Algeria, as mentioned in the report, that the two countries share a strong bond that needs to be strengthened and developed.

Earlier in the week, Faisal Mekdad visited Saudi Arabia, which was the first visit by a Syrian official to the country since outbreak of conflict in Syria. The sides agreed to resume air traffic and the functioning of consulates, as well as stressing the need for a political settlement in Syria and the safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. Foreign ministers of a number of Arab states on Friday met in the Saudi city of Jeddah for consultations, which continued for 2.5 hours and concluded with a consensus that Arab leadership and unity would help the political resolution of the Syrian crisis and the country's return to the Arab League.

Syria's membership of the Arab League was frozen in November 2011, after the outbreak of armed conflict in the country. Several Arab countries have recalled their ambassadors from Damascus. Syria did not adopt the decision on his suspension from the organization, considering it illegal. At the same time, the Arab League almost did not participate in settlement negotiations in Syria, a major Arab country.