The visit is the biggest sign of normalization of regional relations with Assad’s government as his diplomatic isolation was fueled by the brutal crushing of a popular uprising by the Syrian dictator. It is also the most high-profile meeting between Assad and an Arab official since former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir flew to the Syrian capital several days before his ouster in 2019.
According to the Syrian President’s statement, the UAE’s top diplomat discussed “bilateral cooperation and developing cooperation in various areas of common interest” between the two countries.
Assad also thanked the UAE for their support in “overcoming” [Syria’s] challenges imposed by war. The Syrian president’s statement quoted Sheikh Abdullah as saying that “what happened in Syria affected all Arab countries.”
Sheikh Abdullah has been a vocal opponent of the US sanctions regime against the Assad government, known as the Caesar Act. In 2018, the UAE reopened its Damascus embassy, helping the Syrian government in a regional bid to rejoin the regional diplomatic space.
The move to normalize regional ties with Damascus has faced resistance from the US and other Western countries, who fear ending Assad’s isolation would give power to the Syrian dictator and leave him guilty of his alleged war crimes and humanity. shall be punished for the offenses against. The Assad denies any chance of accountability for the government.
Washington has also refrained from publicly criticizing recent Arab diplomatic proposals for Damascus.
Prominent Emirati analyst Abdulkhalek Abdullah tweeted a photo of Sheikh Abdullah: “His Majesty in Damascus paves the way for Syria’s Arab return.”
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a major power broker in the troubled region and has moved to improve relations with traditional enemies. In August 2019, the country normalized relations with Israel, and also sought to improve strained diplomatic relations with Iran.