UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
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UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bolstering "brotherly" ties with Syria during the first official visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

The two ministers also discussed the overall developments in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition factions on Dec. 8.

The UAE's foreign minister reiterated the country's support for Syria's independence and sovereignty, WAM added.

Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, head of intelligence Anas Khattab and the UAE's minister of state for defense affairs, Mohammed Fadel al-Mazrouei, also attended the meeting.

The UAE is part of Shibani's second foreign tour, which earlier took him to Qatar and will also include a visit to Jordan. He said the visits aim to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships", according to his account on X.

Shibani made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia last week, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Strong Condemnation of Israeli Occupation's Crimes against Palestinians

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Strong Condemnation of Israeli Occupation's Crimes against Palestinians

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA

The Saudi Cabinet hailed the outcomes of recent discussions between senior Saudi officials and a high-level delegation from the new Syrian administration, and reiterated Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to Syria's security and stability, emphasizing the continuing provision of humanitarian and relief assistance to the Syrian people.

This came during the session held on Tuesday in Riyadh, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

According to SPA, Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary further said the Cabinet discussed the ongoing situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It stressed the Kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation authorities' crimes against the Palestinian people, which constitute grave violations of international and humanitarian law.
Also, the Cabinet reviewed the progress of various development programs, initiatives, and projects aimed at enhancing service delivery to citizens, residents, and visitors. These efforts focus on diversifying the economy, exploring new revenue streams, and maximizing the utilization of available resources and potential.