UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discussed strengthening “brotherly” ties with Syria during the first official visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shibani to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, reported by Reuters.
Overall developments in Syria
The two ministers also discussed overall developments in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebels on December 8. The UAE foreign minister reaffirmed the country’s support for Syria’s independence and sovereignty, WAM added. The meeting was also attended by Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra, Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab and UAE Minister of State for Defense Mohammed Fadel al-Mazroui.
Syria’s Political Transition
The UAE is part of Shibani’s second foreign tour, which previously took him to Qatar and will also include a visit to Jordan. He said the visits are aimed at “supporting stability, security, economic recovery and building meaningful partnerships,” according to his X account. Shibani made his first foreign trip last week to Saudi Arabia, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support a political transition in Syria.