UAE is Bashar Al-Assad’s second destination after long years of isolation during the civil war in Syria.
For the first time since the deadly quake Syrian President has landed in the (UAE). he earthquake devastated Turkey and Syria in February claiming tens of thousands of lives.
Bashar Al-Assad was welcomed by the Emirati president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan before important visits at the presidential palace, according to the local official news services.
The two had good conversations aimed at improving ties between the two nations, Sheikh Mohammed referred in a post on Twitter.
Sheikh Mohammed continued, “Our discussions also explored ways of enhancing cooperation to accelerate stability and progress in Syria and the region,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
The visit, Assad’s second to the Arab nation landing in long years, follows one to Oman in February. His sole public appearances in Arab nations since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 12 years ago have been on these two visits.
Abu Dhabi was one of the first to establish diplomatic ties with globally Assad’s shunned administration in 2018. It has also been one of the first to provide assistance to relief operations following the earthquake that hit the country early in February and left millions homeless.
The Syrian administration announced that Asma, Assad’s wife, would visit Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the United Arab Emirates president and a figure renowned in the UAE as the “Mother of the Nation.”
More than ten years after Damascus’ status in the 22-member Arab League was suspended due to repression of protestors throughout the conflict, the visit signifies the resumption of the continuing thawing of ties between Syria and other Arab nations.
Syrian Reconciliation
The regional reconciliation that had been simmering for years appears to have accelerated as a result of international compassion after the earthquake.
Anwar Gargash, renowned administative adviser in UAE asserted in Twitter that, “The UAE’s approach and efforts towards Syria are part of a deeper vision and a broader approach aimed at strengthening Arab and regional stability.”
Concerning Syria’s demand to return to” its role in the Arab world and restore credibility in the area, the UAE’s view is crystal clear. The adviser said that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who met with al-Assad today, verified this.
Abu Dhabi has contributed over $100 million in aid to earthquake-stricken Syria, by far the greatest amount from any one country.
A search and rescue team was also deployed, hundreds of tonnes of emergency supplies were delivered, and Syrian earthquake victims received medical care at UAE facilities.
Moreover, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, visited Syria for the first time as a top Arab official after the quake.
Abu Dhabi seems to be persuaded, along with many Arab powers, that the moment is now to rehabilitate ties with Assad. The nations find Syrian return to the Arab League and the Arab fold in sight.
According to experts, the UAE is leading efforts to make amends with former adversaries and make them allies of the future. Along with Arab brother, nations from across the world, including those in Latin America and Africa, has signaled their preference for a normalization of relationships after a decade.
