Syria and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reopen their embassies, three sources with knowledge of the matter said, a step that would mark a leap forward in Damascus' return to the Arab fold.
The two governments were "preparing to reopen embassies after Eid al-Fitr", a second regional source aligned with Damascus told Reuters.
The decision was the result of talks in Saudi Arabia with a senior Syrian intelligence official, according to one of the regional sources and a diplomat in the Gulf.
The Saudi government's communication office, the kingdom's foreign ministry and the Syrian government did not respond to requests for comment.
Saudi state television later confirmed that talks were ongoing with the Syrian foreign ministry to resume consular services, citing a Saudi foreign ministry official.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.
The re-establishment of ties between Riyadh and Damascus mark the most significant development yet in moves by Arab states to normalise ties with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since the civil war began in 2011.
The UAE has led the way in normalising contacts with Assad, recently receiving him in Abu Dhabi with his wife.
The World Court has unanimously ordered Israel, accused by South Africa of genocide in Gaza, to take all necessary and effective action to ensure basic food supplies to the enclave's Palestinian population and halt spreading famine.
Russian missile and drone attacks hit thermal and hydro power plants in central and western Ukraine, power grid operator Ukrenergo said on Friday, the latest assault on the already damaged power infrastructure.
A bus crash in South Africa's northern province of Limpopo resulted in 45 deaths and one serious injury, the country's Department of Transport said on Thursday.
The United States has warned it would push the UN Security Council to take action to get aid to starving people in Sudan, possibly by authorising cross-border deliveries from Chad, if the Sudanese armed forces do not restore full access.
Spanish coastguards rescued 124 migrants, including young children and a person needing a wheelchair, from two wooden boats in the seas off the Canary Islands on Thursday.
The UAE’s alternative take on news, entertainment and sport. Join Chris, Robbie and Sonal as they cut through the clutter to bring you the news, entertainment and sport stories that actually matter.
John Lyons of Espace Real Estate says there is a slight slowdown in the property market during summer. So we asked him, does this mean prices are negotiable during the summer months?
Lawyer Rebecca Kelly of Clyde & Co. explained why UAE judicial authorities are setting up new offices to deal with financial crime, including money laundering.