UAE Foreign Minister receives Syrian counterpart

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Monday received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria’s Transitional Government, Asaad al-Shibani.

The diplomats reviewed the overall developments in Syria and the current regional situation, in addition to tackling several issues of mutual concern.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE's steadfast stance in supporting Syria's independence and sovereignty over its entire territory. He also emphasised the UAE's solidarity with the Syrian people and its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at fulfilling their aspirations for security, peace, stability, and a dignified life.

Mr. Al-Shibani's visit to the UAE is part of a larger tour that includes Qatar and Jordan. It is his second foreign visit since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted last month. His first foreign trip was to Saudi Arabia last week.

The Syrian diplomat was in Qatar on Sunday and reportedly urged Washington to lift sanctions on Syria during the visit.  

The meeting was attended by Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; and Hassan Ahmed Al Shehhi, UAE Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Syrian delegation included Murhaf Abu Qasra, Minister of Defence; Syrian Minister of Electricity, Omar al-Shuqruq; Ghiath Diab, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources, and Anas Khattab, Intelligence Chief.