Syrian President Bashar al-Assad paid a historic visit to the United Arab Emirates last Friday. This is the first visit of its kind to an Arab country since the outbreak of the popular uprising in Syria, which has become a war of more than a decade.
During his visit, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi, met the heir to the throne, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahian, and was received by the Dubai ruler, Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum. The meeting dealt with the overall relations between the two countries and the prospects for expanding the circle of bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic, investment and commercial spheres, which will assist the two peoples.
President Al-Assad visits the United Arab Emirates and meets His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. pic.twitter.com/1anO8OVAsQ
— Syrian Presidency (@Presidency_Sy) March 18, 2022
Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid welcomed the visit, noting that it comes as part of the renewal of relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that security and peace, stability and prosperity in the country would prevail in Syria that would affect regional prosperity.
Assad’s arrival in the Emirates is akin to waving a victory flag in the war for the liberation of his country, with estimates talking about economic measures expected to take place after the meeting and lead to UAE investment in rebuilding Syria.
On a broader level, there were those who linked the UAE’s reconciliation with Assad to the disappointment of the US administration returning to a nuclear deal with the Iranians and even to American treatment of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The feelings in the Gulf are that the US administration is showing weakness in the face of what is happening in the region and therefore it is necessary to keep all options open and especially the Russian channel open.