Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa engaged in discussions with UAE President

 
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a meeting with his Emirati counterpart, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, marking Sharaa's second visit to a Gulf nation. This visit comes as the new Islamist leadership in Syria aims to reassure international partners of their commitment to establishing an inclusive political framework.

Sharaa was joined by Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani during the discussions. The Syrian state news agency, SANA, reported earlier on Sunday that Sharaa and Shibani were expected to engage in talks on various mutual interests with Emirati officials, although specific details were not disclosed. Sharaa's first foreign trip as president took him to Saudi Arabia in February. Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by Sharaa's Sunni Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the new Syrian leadership is focusing on strengthening relationships with Arab and Western governments. Abu Dhabi has historically opposed Islamist movements throughout the region, including those in Egypt, Sudan, and Libya, expressing concerns about extremism and terrorism in Syria since Assad's downfall.

The Emirati president emphasized the UAE's commitment to supporting Syria's reconstruction to align with the aspirations of its people for a secure, stable, and prosperous future, according to UAE state media.
Western nations are closely monitoring the developments in Syria to ensure that the new leadership forms a government that is inclusive, maintains order in a country ravaged by civil war, and prevents the resurgence of groups like Islamic State or al-Qaeda. After 14 years of conflict, Syria is in urgent need of relief from sanctions to revitalize its economy, particularly as the United States and Europe have imposed extensive sanctions aimed at pressuring Assad.

Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Jaidaa Taha Writing by Menna Alaa El-Din;
Editing by BBN