Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received in Damascus on Tuesday Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdulllah. This marked the first time a Saudi official visits Syria since 2011, when the country’s conflict erupted. A statement published by Saudi Press Agency said Prince Farhan’s visit came “within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s keenness and interest to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that would end all its repercussions and preserve Syria’s unity, security, stability, and Arab identity and restore it to its Arab surroundings.” Assad and Prince Faisal discussed the steps needed to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the Syrian crisis that would resolve all of its consequences, achieve the national interest and restore Syria’s position in its Arab surroundings. Prince Faisal conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Assad and the Syrian government and people. Assad, in return, wished the Saudi government and people further progress and development. Prince Faisal stressed the need to provide the suitable conditions for the delivery of aid to all Syrian regions, return of refugees to their homes and take more measures that would help restore stability throughout Syria. Prince Faisal was received at Damascus International Airport by Minister of Presidential Affairs Mansour Azzam. Syrian state television said Assad and Prince Faisal discussed bilateral relations between their countries and Arab and international political issues. They tackled bilateral relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia with Prince Faisal stressing the Kingdom’s support to Syria and everything that would preserve its territorial integrity, security and stability.