Assad Meets with UAE Rulers, Discusses Expanding Bilateral Relations

UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (WAM)
UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (WAM)
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Assad Meets with UAE Rulers, Discusses Expanding Bilateral Relations

UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (WAM)
UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (WAM)

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a surprise visit to the UAE on his first trip to an Arab country since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.

Assad met with UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in Dubai.

The Syrian President also met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and they discussed prospects of fostering cooperation between the two countries.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed the visit of the Syrian President, which comes within the framework of the two countries' keenness to continue consultation and coordination on various issues of mutual concern.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince stressed that the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation with Syria to achieve the aspirations of both peoples towards stability and development.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Assad and his accompanying delegation, wishing goodness, peace, and stability to prevail in Syria and the entire region, state news agency WAM reported.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several issues of common interest and emphasized the need to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria and the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, in addition to providing political and humanitarian support for Syria and its people to reach a peaceful solution to all the besetting challenges.

The Crown Prince stressed that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security and that the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation with it to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people towards stability and development.

They also reviewed the two countries' position on all regional and international developments.



Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Underscores Importance of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, Independence

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government underscored on Tuesday the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and independence, reiterating its statement at the extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government also rejected foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, renewed support for the Palestinian people and urged the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The cabinet was briefed on Saudi Arabia’s talks with friendly nations over the past week, including the message received by King Salman from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The cabinet discussed regional and international developments, and emphasized the Kingdom's continuous efforts to foster cooperation through bilateral relations, and its membership in multilateral organizations and groups. All its efforts aim to address global challenges, promote security, and advance prosperity in the region and beyond.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary expressed the cabinet's strong condemnation of the ongoing violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. It unequivocally rejected and condemned any attempt at altering Jerusalem's historical and legal status, calling on the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for the grave violations against innocent civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine.

Moreover, the cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s latest economic assistance to Yemen, saying it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to stability in the country and helping the Yemeni people.

The support aims to strengthen Yemen's economic, financial, and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions, and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.

The cabinet reviewed the performance indicators of several key economic sectors in the Kingdom, and commended the significant growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research, and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.