The United Arab Emirates welcomed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today, Friday, during a work visit to the country. The Syrian presidency announced on Friday that a meeting took place between Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Dubai. The Syrian presidency noted that "Assad and the Vice President of the UAE discussed bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on economic, investment, and commercial levels." Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed his "sincere wishes for security and peace to prevail throughout Syria and for stability and prosperity to exist in the region."
He further stated, "We are keen to discover new paths for constructive cooperation with Syria and to identify opportunities that can advance various aspects of collaboration." According to the Emirates News Agency "WAM," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also received Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the Syrian President's visit during their meeting at Al Bateen Palace, emphasizing the mutual commitment to continue brotherly consultation and coordination between the two countries on various issues. He expressed his hope that this visit will mark a beginning of goodness, peace, and stability for Syria and the entire region. The Crown Prince was briefed by Assad on the latest developments and changes in the Syrian landscape.
Both sides discussed the brothers' relations, cooperation, and joint coordination to safeguard their mutual interests and contribute to establishing security, stability, and peace in the Arab region and the Middle East. They addressed several issues of mutual concern, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining Syria's territorial integrity and the withdrawal of foreign forces, in addition to supporting Syria and its brotherly people politically and humanitarianly to achieve a peaceful solution to all the challenges it faces.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed that Syria is a key pillar of Arab security and that the UAE is keen to enhance cooperation with it to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people toward stability and development. They exchanged views and positions concerning various regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Ali bin Hamad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council.
The accompanying delegation for the Syrian President also included Faisal Al-Miqdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mansour Azzam, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr. Bashar Al-Jafari, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, and several officials.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad departed from the UAE, where he was seen off at Al Bateen Airport by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Earlier today, Assad arrived in the UAE, where he was received at Dubai International Airport by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
