Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the UAE, said on Saturday that the visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the country “reflects the UAE’s realistic policy towards reducing tensions and enhancing the Arab role in a practical approach to finding solutions to the region’s crises.”
“The complex regional situations require the adoption of a practical and logical approach that does not accept the marginalization of Arab efforts seeking to confront challenges and avoid the evils of crises and strife,” tweeted the adviser.
“Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit stems from the UAE’s tendency to perpetuate the Arab role in the Syrian file, and it also comes from an Emirati conviction of the need for political communication, openness and dialogue at the regional level,” he explained.
“This stage requires courageous steps to consolidate stability and prosperity and ensure the future of the region and the well-being of its people,” added Gargash.
On Friday, Assad paid his first visit to an Arab country, the UAE, after 11 years of estrangement, the suspension of Syria's membership in the Arab League, and most Arab countries severing diplomatic relations with Damascus.
The UAE had restored diplomatic relations with Damascus in 2018 and reopened its embassy there. Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed visited Damascus last November.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, received Assad, at Al Marmoom Rest House, Dubai.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Assad and his accompanying delegation, saying their visit is part of the framework of the brotherly relations between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his sincere wishes for peace, security, stability, and prosperity to prevail in Syria and the entire region.
The meeting focused with the overall relations between the two countries and the prospects of expanding cooperation to fulfil the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples, achieve their comprehensive development goals, and enhance the chances of peace and stability in Syria and the region in general.
