King of Bahrain, UAE President Meet in Abu Dhabi, Stress Importance of Consolidating Gulf Ties

United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. (WAM)
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King of Bahrain, UAE President Meet in Abu Dhabi, Stress Importance of Consolidating Gulf Ties

United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Meeting at King Hamad’s Abu Dhabi residence, the leaders engaged in cordial talks, reflecting the strong ties between the UAE and Bahrain and their peoples, reported the UAE state news agency (WAM).

The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, with the aim of advancing both nations’ development goals and meeting their peoples’ aspirations for continued progress and prosperity.

In addition to reviewing relations between the UAE and Bahrain, the leaders also stressed the importance of further strengthening collaboration across the Gulf region for the mutual benefit of the GCC member states and to help realize the ambitions of their citizens.

The two sides discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the importance of pursuing all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace process that will promote stability, development, and prosperity for people throughout the region.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security, and a number of Sheikhs and officials.

From the Bahraini side, Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council, and Royal Guard Commander; Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), attended the meeting.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.