UAE FM discusses strengthening ties with Syrian counterpart
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The UAE's foreign minister discusses bilateral ties with his new Syrian counterpart in the wake of the collapse of the Assad government.
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The UAE's foreign minister and Saudi Arabia's foreign minister during a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Arab Contact Group on Syria in Jordan's southern Red Sea coastal city of Aqaba, on Saturday, December 14, 2024 (AP)
UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation on Monday with Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The agency reported that the two officials explored ways to bolster the "strong fraternal ties" between their nations and peoples in areas of mutual interest.
During the call, Al Nahyan emphasized the "importance of preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," reiterating the UAE's support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and inclusive transitional phase that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, development, and dignified life.
He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to instilling hope for a prosperous future for the Syrian people, WAM noted.
The conversation follows the recent appointment of al-Shibani as Syria's foreign minister in the interim government, announced two days ago by the country’s new leadership.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic advisor to the UAE president recently commented on regional developments, describing the ongoing situation in Syria as a "sign of political failure." The advisor underscored the need to prevent non-state actors from exploiting political vacuums and stressed that "defensive and military roles should not be under the control of armed groups."
Syria-Qatar ties improving
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the new regime in Syria, has invited Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit Damascus, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.
In a meeting with a high-level Qatari delegation, al-Sharaa announced the launch of extensive strategic cooperation with Qatar.
Speaking to reporters, al-Sharaa described Qatar's involvement in Syria's next phase as "effective and important," underscoring the growing collaboration between the two sides.
Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, on his part, discussed the transitional period with al-Sharaa during the visit.
"The Syrian people will be the masters of their own decisions and will not be subject to external guardianship," Al-Khulaifi stated.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, confirmed the visit in a post shared on X.
