Report says Egyptian delegation due in Riyadh for talks on Syria

An Egyptian delegation will arrive within the next hours here in Riyadh for discussions with Saudi officials on a "common stance" on Syria, local newspaper Okaz reported on Thursday.

The visit comes amid reports of tension between the two countries following Egypt's support of a Russia-sponsored draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council on Syria, a move the Saudi ambassador described as "painful."

Egypt also voted for another draft resolution on Syria, sponsored by France and Spain. Both resolutions failed to get approved at the UN Security Council.

Egypt's UN ambassador, Amr Aboul-Ata, said Cairo voted for both draft resolutions because it "supports all efforts seeking to halt the tragedy of the Syrian people."

"It voted for both resolutions based on their contents, not on political bids that have already become a barrier to the work of the council" Aboul-Ata said. Endit