Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrives in UAE on official visit

DUBAI (Agencies): Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad arrived in the UAE on Sunday for an official visit, accompanied by his wife Asma Al-Assad, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.

They were received by the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan upon their arrival at the presidential airport in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said he held “constructive talks” with his Syrian counterpart “aimed at developing relations between our two countries.”

“Our discussions also explored ways of enhancing cooperation to accelerate stability and progress in Syria and the region,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed tweeted.

Al-Assad was welcomed in an official ceremony where the Syrian national anthem was played and received a canon salute as his convoy entered Qasr Al Watan. Assad’s plane was greeted by Emirati fighter jets.