DUBAI, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) met with visiting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday in the capital Abu Dhabi, discussing cooperation and issues of common interests, according to UAE's official WAM news agency.
During the meeting, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security, and the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation with it to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people towards stability and development.
The two sides emphasised on preserving the territorial integrity of Syria and the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as providing political and humanitarian support for Syria and its people to reach a peaceful solution to all the besetting challenges.
Assad met with UAE's Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum earlier on Friday in Dubai.
The UAE's senior official affirmed his country's keenness to discover new paths of constructive cooperation with Syria, and to monitor opportunities to advance this cooperation for the common interests of the two brotherly peoples.
The two also reviewed the current situation in Syria, as well as other topics of common interests.
The UAE reopened its embassy in Syria in late 2018. On Nov. 9, 2021, UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan made his first visit to Syria since the Syrian war erupted in 2011, and held talks with Assad.
