The Sultanate of Oman is the first country in the Arab Gulf to return its ambassador to …

The Sultanate of Oman sent its ambassador to Syria to become the first Arab Gulf country to do so after those countries reduced or closed their missions in Damascus in 2012 due to attacks launched by the government there against protests at the beginning of the conflict that turned into a civil war.

Oman is one of the few Arab countries that maintained diplomatic relations with the government of President Bashar al-Assad after the 2011 uprising, despite pressure from the United States and other Gulf allies.

The Omani News Agency said the Syrian foreign minister received the credentials of Omani Ambassador Turki bin Mahmoud Al-Busaidi on Sunday, who was appointed to the post by royal decree in March.

Some Arab countries are seeking reconciliation with Damascus, after decisive advances by pro-government forces in the conflict, with the aim of expanding their influence in Syria at the expense of Turkey, as well as Iran, which supports Assad.

Oman kept its embassy open, as did Bahrain. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, upon assuming power in January, pledged to continue to establish friendly relations with all countries.

The UAE reopened its mission in Damascus in late 2018 on a diplomatic boost to Assad, and it has a chargé d’affaires there.

The UAE was among several countries in the region that supported armed opposition groups in Syria, although its role was less prominent than that of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have yet to reestablish relations with Damascus.

Kuwait has said it will reopen its mission in Damascus if so agreed in the Arab League, which suspended Syria’s membership in 2011.