Syrian President Bashar Assad met Qatar’s leader, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, yesterday in his first visit to an Arab state since the Syrian war on terror began in 2011.
Assad met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan who “stressed that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security, and that the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation with it”, Emirati state news agency (WAM) reported.
Sheikh Zayed reiterated the need for foreign forces operating illegally on Syrian soil to leave, and expressed his country’s desire to strengthen collaboration with Syria in areas where the two brotherly peoples’ goals can be realized.
A video posted by WAM showed Assad smiling as he stood alongside Sheikh Mohammed in front of the Syrian and Emirati flags, as well as gesticulating and smiling during talks.
Assad is also expected to fly to Saudi Arabia within 48 hours for emergency talks on Lebanon, a leading Saudi newspaper reported.
The official Syrian news agency said Assad held official talks with his guest and discussed the latest developments in the region and bilateral relations.
A diplomat, speaking before the meeting, said the talks would focus on Lebanon and Syrian-US relations.
The agency said Assad called his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer later on Wednesday to inform him that he wishes to postpone a visit to Vienna planned for mid-March “due to current developments in the region … The two leaders agreed to set a new date for the visit at more appropriate circumstances.”
