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.
