Saudi Arabia's top diplomat said Friday the kingdom was seeking to help Syria's new authorities secure the lifting of international sanctions, during his first visit to Damascus since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister visits Lebanon on Thursday in the first trip to Beirut by Riyadh's top diplomat in 15 years, seeking a commitment to reform as the Gulf state reasserts sway in a country where Iranian influence is waning.

An international meeting in Riyadh on Sunday marked a unified Arab and international stance to support Syria, advocating for the lifting of sanctions

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud will visit Damascus for talks with Syria's new administration. His previous visit aimed at ending Syria's regional isolation, marked by Assad's invitation to an Arab League summit in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat landed in Syria on Friday, an AFP correspondent reported, in his first visit to Damascus since Islamist-led rebels ousted president Bashar al-Assad last month.