The Syrian news agency SANA said that the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani shook hands with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad before the Arab League summit.

The article noted that the handshake was followed by a side conversation between the two leaders.

Friday, the preparatory meetings for the 32nd regular session of the Arab Summit at the ministerial and delegate level commenced, with Syria officially taking part.

Syria has received an official invitation to participate in the upcoming Arab Summit, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on May 19.

President Bashar al-Assad received a personal invitation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to join the 32nd session of the Arab League Council meeting at the summit level.

The summit will focus on Syria, Sudan and the Palestinian cause, in addition to issues of Arab security and development.