Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited the UAE for the first time following the fall of Bashar Assad. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expressed wishes for Syria’s development and stability. The meeting addressed mutual interests amid Syria’s efforts to rebuild and respond to Israeli tensions, where the UAE could potentially mediate.
On Sunday, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa commenced his inaugural visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visit follows the recent transition in leadership after the demise of former President Bashar Assad, a change that has prompted cautious responses from UAE officials. Notably, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with al-Sharaa in Abu Dhabi, extending wishes for his success in addressing the Syrian people’s aspirations for development and stability.
During their discussions, al-Sharaa and the Emirati president addressed various mutual interests and exchanged insights on regional and international developments. Following Assad’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011, the UAE had severed diplomatic ties with Syria but renewed them by reopening its embassy in December 2018. Notably, in 2022, Assad made his first post-war visit to the UAE, indicative of the resumption of diplomatic relations among Arab states.
In contrast to other Gulf nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which welcomed al-Sharaa’s leadership, the UAE has adopted a more measured stance towards the newly established authorities in Syria. The Syrian leadership is currently focused on fortifying their regional connections while navigating post-war reconstruction efforts and unifying various armed factions into a cohesive national army.
In addition to domestic challenges, the new Syrian leadership is contending with ongoing tensions arising from Israel’s military operations within Syrian territory, contravening a ceasefire established in 1974. Syria’s representatives, as well as U.N. officials, have condemned these actions, urging Israel to withdraw. Conversely, Israeli authorities maintain that these operations are essential for border security and intend to maintain their presence indefinitely.
Given its normalization of relations with Israel, the UAE may have the potential to act as a mediator between Syria and Israel in this evolving geopolitical landscape.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to the United Arab Emirates marks a pivotal moment for Syria following the leadership change after Bashar Assad’s fall. The UAE’s cautious approach contrasts with the warmer receptions from other Gulf states, highlighting the complexities of Arab diplomacy in the region. As Syria seeks to rebuild and consolidate power, challenges from neighboring Israel further complicate the situation, presenting opportunities for the UAE to play a mediating role.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
