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President Bashar al-Assad with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz
The visit comes amid stepped-up efforts by Riyadh to build Arab unity around the Palestinians ahead of a possible resumption of peace talks with Israel.
It has also been seeking to isolate Iran, which is a key ally of Syria, over its controversial nuclear programme.
Damascus-Riyadh ties were severely strained for years, notably over Syria's role in Lebanon and its support for Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, before a thaw marked by landmark Damascus trip by Abdullah in October.
But the two countries still differ over Lebanese politics, over the Palestinian division between the Hamas and Fatah factions, and Iran's role in the region, according to diplomats and analysts.
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It has also been seeking to isolate Iran, which is a key ally of Syria, over its controversial nuclear programme.
Damascus-Riyadh ties were severely strained for years, notably over Syria's role in Lebanon and its support for Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, before a thaw marked by landmark Damascus trip by Abdullah in October.
But the two countries still differ over Lebanese politics, over the Palestinian division between the Hamas and Fatah factions, and Iran's role in the region, according to diplomats and analysts.
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