Officials from the UAE and Syria convened to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, marking the first Syrian official visit post-Assad’s regime. The UAE emphasized its support for Syrian sovereignty amidst existing distrust towards Syria’s new government. This visit follows engagements with other Gulf nations as Syria seeks to rebuild ties in the region after years of conflict.
Foreign ministers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Syria held a meeting on Monday aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. This marked the first official visit of Syrian officials to the UAE following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani discussed means of fostering the historical ties between their nations, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to Syria’s independence and territorial integrity. The delegation, which included Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and intelligence chief Anas Khattab, embarked on this visit after engagements in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The discussion of building ties between the UAE and Syria occurs within a broader context of diplomatic realignment in the Middle East following years of conflict. The UAE has historically been supportive of Assad’s regime prior to his downfall and has played a significant role in re-establishing Syria’s position within the Arab League. This visit reflects a cautious optimism from the UAE regarding the new Syrian leadership, despite underlying suspicions pertaining to the political affiliations and potential external influences in Syria.
The meeting between the UAE and Syrian officials represents an important step towards the reintegration of Syria into the regional political landscape, particularly following the longstanding conflicts that have defined its recent history. While the UAE seeks to strengthen its relationships, the concerns regarding the new Syrian government’s Islamist ties underline existing geopolitical tensions. The outcomes of this engagement will likely unfold in the context of regional influences and collaborations moving forward.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
