Assad arrives in UAE

DUBAI: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met Sunday with Emirati leaders in Abu Dhabi, his second Gulf go to since final month’s earthquake prompted renewed efforts to deliver Damascus again into the Arab fold.

The journey — Assad’s second to the oil-rich United Arab Emirates in as a few years — comes after a go to to Oman final month, his solely official engagements in Arab nations because the begin of Syria’s battle in 2011.

The UAE’s president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, greeted Assad and his spouse Asma within the capital, official information company WAM stated, earlier than high-level conferences on the presidential palace.

“We held constructive talks aimed toward growing relations between our two nations,” the Emirati president stated in an announcement.

“Our discussions additionally explored methods of enhancing cooperation to speed up stability and progress in Syria and the area,” Sheikh Mohamed added.

Abu Dhabi, which normalised relations with Assad’s internationally remoted authorities in 2018, has led support efforts within the aftermath of the February 6 earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, killing tens of 1000’s.