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president of syria Bashar al-Assad Arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday – his second visit to the Gulf in a month – in an attempt to restore ties with his country’s Arab neighbors.
Earthquake that killed tens of thousands last month Syria The ostracism of Damascus following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011 prompted renewed efforts to bring Damascus back to the Arab world.
Assad made a similar visit to Oman last month.
What happened in Abu Dhabi?
Assad and his wife Asma were welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the capital Abu Dhabi, the official news agency WAM said. A high-level meeting was held at the presidential palace.
The discussions “explored ways of enhancing cooperation to accelerate stability and progress in Syria and the region,” the UAE president said in a statement.
WAM quoted Mohammed telling Assad: “Syria has been away from its brothers for too long and it is time to return to them and to the Arab environment.”
The UAE president called for efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Syrian refugees and backed engagement between Syria, which for years has backed rebels against the Assad government, and Turkey.
Assad also praised the role of the UAE in promoting relations between Arab countries, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency.
He said relations with Arab countries should be “brotherly” and that severing ties was an “incorrect political principle”.
2011 Crackdown Isolates Assad
The UAE restored ties with Syria four years ago, having severed them around the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, when Assad’s government brutally cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.
Syria’s neighbors condemn excessive use of force to suppress uprising, prompting Damascus to be expelled from Cairo Arab League.
Sunday’s visit was Assad’s third visit to the UAE since the outbreak of the war. The first time was in March last year and the second time was in January.
The latest visit comes days after Assad traveled to Russia – a key military ally in the civil war Meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
Earthquake presents opportunity for reconciliation
International sympathy in the aftermath of the earthquake appeared to hasten years of simmering regional reconciliation.
The UAE has pledged more than $100 million in earthquake aid – the largest amount so far provided by a single country.
Victims of the Syrian earthquake have also been transferred to UAE hospitals.
Last month, the UAE foreign minister was the first person to visit Damascus after the disaster.
several others arab official He has since met with Assad in a gesture of solidarity.
Abdul Khalik Abdullah, an Emirati analyst, said Abu Dhabi “shares the belief of many Arab countries that now is the time to reconcile with Assad … and see Syria return to the Arab League and the Arab states.” “.
“The UAE is taking the lead in reconciling with enemies of the past and transforming them into friends of tomorrow,” Abdullah told AFP.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister also noted last month that consensus was being reached on new approaches to address humanitarian crises such as the Syria earthquake.
Push for settlement after China-brokered deal earlier this month End seven-year diplomatic rupture between regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabiawho has supported opposing sides in the Syrian conflict.
Assad needs global funds to rebuild Syria
According to the World Bank, Syria’s real GDP is expected to contract by 5.5% in 2023 after the earthquake.
Physical damage is estimated at US$ 3.7 billion and economic loss at US$ 1.5 billion. This is on top of the damage done by the 12 years of war.
Damascus needs International support helps rebuild devastated country And count on regional settlements to help free up those funds.
However, the Assad government has yet to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254 adopted in December 2015 as a roadmap for peace.
Acceptance of the roadmap is a key demand for the US and EU to normalize relations with Damascus.
mm/mish (AFP, AP, DPA)
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