Bashar Al-Assad visits UAE, meets Dubai’s ruler
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad meets Dubai's ruler and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, signaling a shift in the region as several Arab countries are resuming relations with Assad.
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Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum receives Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (AFP)
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad met Dubai's ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum in Dubai on Friday, according to the Syrian presidency.
In his first visit to an Arab state since the war on Syria started in 2011, Assad also met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Emirati state news agency (WAM) reported.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince expressed his hope that this visit will pave the way for prosperity, peace, and stability in Syria and the region as a whole.
On his account, Syrian President Bashar briefed the Crown Prince on the latest developments in Syria.
The two leaders discussed the two nations' fraternal relations as well as the prospects for fostering cooperation and joint coordination to achieve their common interests and contribute to the consolidation of security, stability, and peace in the Arab region and the Middle East.
They also tackled a number of issues of mutual concern, including the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity and the withdrawal of foreign forces, as well as political and humanitarian support for Syria and its people in reaching a peaceful solution to all of the challenges it faces, WAM reported.
Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince emphasized that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security and that the UAE is eager to cement ties with it in order to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and progress.
The two leaders also discussed the positions of the two countries on all regional and international issues and developments of mutual interest.
According to the Syrian Republic's Presidency, the Syrian President also discussed bilateral relations with the Ruler of Dubai at a rest house in Dubai, as well as the prospects for expanding the circle of bilateral cooperation, particularly at the economic, investment, and commercial levels, in a way that lives up to the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.
The delegation accompanying the Syrian president included Dr. Faisal Mekdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and his deputy Dr. Bashar Al-Jaafari, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mansour Azzam, and a number of other officials.
Al-Assad arrived in the country earlier today, where he was greeted by Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan at Dubai International Airport.
