UPDATE - UAE, Syrian presidents discuss boosting bilateral cooperation

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By Laith Al-Junaidi and Ikram Kouachi

ISTANBUL (AA) – United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to explore ways to deepen cooperation between their countries, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The meeting, held during al-Sharaa’s first visit to the UAE since assuming Syria’s presidency in the ongoing transitional period, focused on strengthening “the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.”

The leaders reviewed shared interests, exchanged views on regional developments and discussed Syria’s latest developments, according to the agency.

Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed “the UAE’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people as they navigate the transitional period and rebuild their country in line with their aspirations for a secure, stable and prosperous future.”

He reiterated the UAE’s steadfast support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that “Syria’s stability and security are essential to the broader region,” WAM added.

Al-Sharaa arrived in the UAE on Sunday for a visit of undisclosed duration.

The visit is part of the Syrian leader’s regional diplomatic push following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Since assuming power, he has visited Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Jordan.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.

The transitional Syrian administration was declared on Jan. 29 this year, dissolving the constitution, security services, armed factions, the Baath Party and parliament.