President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday welcomed Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara to Abu Dhabi for high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The two leaders reviewed efforts to bolster co-operation between the nations, with a focus on development and the economy.
Mr Al Shara was earlier greeted by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as he arrived in the Emirates on a working visit.
The two men also discussed the Iran war and its implications for regional and international security, along with its impact on the global economy and the maritime industry.
Mr Al Shara condemned Iran's terrorist attacks on the UAE and other Gulf countries, noting that they represented a breach of sovereignty and international law.
The two sides underlined their shared commitment to advancing UAE-Syria relations to support development and contributes to building a better future for the people of both nations.
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President Sheikh Mohamed with Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara. All photos: UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Al Shara held high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties -
The two leaders reviewed efforts to bolster co-operation between the nations -
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister receives Asaad Al Shibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria -
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs receives Mr Al Shara on his arrival to the UAE -
Sheikh Abdullah awaits the arrival Mr Al Shara -
Mr Al Shara arrived in the UAE after meeting Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim in Doha on Wednesday
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs.
Also in attendance were Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, along with a number of sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.
Gulf tour
The Syrian leader had earlier met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim in Doha on Wednesday, the Syrian state news agency Sana reported, as part of a Gulf tour.
Mr Al Shara and Sheikh Tamim discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, in a meeting also attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Discussions also focused on enhancing co-operation across various sectors, particularly in economic and investment fields, as well as strengthening trade connectivity.
Mr Al Shara reaffirmed Syria’s solidarity with Qatar and other Arab countries affected by Iranian aggression, according to the Syrian news agency.
The talks addressed recent regional and international developments and ways to co-ordinate efforts to preserve security and stability in the region.
Qatar began expanding its role in Syria immediately after the fall of the regime of former president Bashar Al Assad. Sheikh Tamim was the first foreign head of state to visit Syria under its new leadership, and Qatar was the second country, after Turkey, to reopen its embassy in Damascus.
Mr Al Shara was in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders discussed strengthening ties and regional developments.
Building UAE ties
The visit is Mr Al Shara's third to the Emirates since he came to power in January last year.
During his first trip in April, he met Sheikh Mohamed, who pledged support for Syria’s reconstruction following 14 years of war.
The two leaders held further talks in the UAE in July of that year.
Discussions during that meeting, which took place at Al Shati Palace, focused on the need for security and stability in the Middle East and ways to work towards that goal, state news agency Wam reported.
