President Sheikh Mohamed says UAE is committed to helping Syria rebuild

Emirates hopes to see new Syria that 'meets the aspirations of its people'

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed has spoken of his commitment to helping Syria rebuild, as the country's president visited Abu Dhabi for the first time since taking office.

The head of state welcomed President Ahmad Al Shara and spoke of his support for the new government in Damascus.

Sheikh Mohamed told of the need to confront “the challenges of the transitional phase and rebuild Syria in a way that meets the aspirations of its people for a future of security, stability and prosperity”, state news agency Wam reported.

The security and stability of Syria are important to the entire Middle East, Sheikh Mohamed said, stressing that the UAE would “spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria”. He spoke as rival groups contest parts of the country outside the grasp of Damascus, although Mr Al Shara's self-declared government has recently managed to bring key parties to the negotiating table.

Mr Al Shara was welcomed at Al Bateen Airport by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He travelled to Al Shati Palace, where a full honour guard was present. The new Syrian flag, designed to show the break made with the regime of Bashar Al Assad, was displayed alongside the Emirati flag.

Among the senior UAE leaders at the meeting were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs.

Thanking Sheikh Mohamed

The Office of the Syrian President issued a public letter of thanks to Sheikh Mohamed for the “warm welcome and generous hospitality”, said Wam.

“I express my deep appreciation for his keenness to strengthen and develop our relations in various fields,” the letter read. “I pray to God to bestow upon the UAE, its leadership and people, the blessings of security, safety, and success, and to continue its journey towards further prosperity and progress.”

Mr Al Shara, who led the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham rebel group that ousted President Bashar Al Assad, is looking to improve relations with Arab neighbours and the Gulf states following a 13-year civil war is Syria. The UAE is the first country Mr Al Shara has visited since forming a government that largely comprises HTS allies and technocrat ministers. The government does not expect to hold democratic elections for four or five years.

Syria remains under strict western sanctions that make a restart of the economy difficult. Mr Al Shara and Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani have campaigned to have them lifted. The US administration of President Donald Trump said it approved of Mr Al Shara's government reshuffle last month but was not ready to lift sanctions.

The EU has lifted some restrictions, allowing local banks to move money around. Broad US restrictions under the US Caesar Act prevent many companies from involvement in both oil and gas and reconstruction.

The UAE and Syrian flags displayed on a car for Mr Al Shara during a meeting at Al Shati Palace. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed and President of Syria Ahmad Al Shara stand for a photograph before a meeting at Al Shati Palace. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, centre, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, left, greet Mr Al Shara at Al Shati Palace. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Al Shara at Al Shati Palace. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon, Adviser to the President and Ali Mohamed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Supreme Council for National Security, attend a meeting with Mr Al Shara at Al Shati Palace. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Al Shara with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Asaad Al Shibani, Foreign Minister of Syria. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed receives Mr Al Shara before a meeting at Al Shati Palace. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Mr Al Shara and his accompanying delegation at Al Bateen Airport in the UAE where they were received by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sana

Mr Al Shara is received by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. Sana

Mr Al Shara arrives at Al Bateen Airport in the UAE. Sana