Syrian official hails Assad’s visit to UAE as “diplomatic milestone”

“The trip was a significant diplomatic influence concerning attempts being hatched by enemies to target the security of the Arab world, undermine its stability and sow the seeds of discord and division among Arab brethren,” Abdul-Qadir Azzouz, an economic adviser to the Syrian cabinet, said.

He noted that “the latest visit of the Syrian president to the UAE comes within the framework of activating the relationship between the two countries, which has witnessed remarkable improvement and development in various fields.”

“This stems from the keenness of the leadership of the two countries to develop relations, either at the level of coordinating political positions, enhancing economic cooperation or increasing trade exchanges, especially as there are promising investment opportunities in Syria in terms of reconstruction,” Azzouz said.

The Syrian government advisor highlighted that, “Many messages have been exchanged with a number of officials from Arab countries in order to arrange similar trips in the near future and serve the Arab world’s security.”

Assad’s Friday visit to the UAE was his first visit to an Arab state since the beginning of foreign-backed militancy in his country in 2011.

The Syrian president met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, among other senior Emirati officials.

The trip was the latest sign of warming ties between the two countries after the UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018 and sent its foreign minister to visit Syria in late 2021.

Analysts believe Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s recent visit to the UAE was a step forward despite the United States’ bitter reaction to the trip.

US State Department spokesman Ned Price has said in a statement that Assad's visit to the Persian Gulf country left Washington "profoundly disappointed,” urging allies to avoid normalizing ties with Damascus.

Last month, the Emirati economy ministry said it had agreed with its Syrian counterpart to enhance trade and economic cooperation after the economy ministers of both countries met on the sidelines of Dubai Expo 2020.

The UAE's economy also said it agreed with Syria on "future plans to enhance economic cooperation and explore new sectors."

Also last month, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – the de facto ruler of the UAE – discussed developments in Syria with Assad in the second call between the two leaders since March last year.