Syria’s president has travelled to an Arab country for the first time since the Syrian civil war began 11 years ago. Bashar al-Assad landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, where he met with a number of powerful and controversial rulers who expressed a desire to re-establish connections with Syria.
It could signal a shift in Syria’s relationship with its Arab neighbours, who have previously isolated Mr. Assad.
The US, on the other hand, slammed the trip, calling it “profoundly disappointing.”
Mr. Assad met with a number of Emiratis, including Dubai’s billionaire ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, who has recently been involved in a number of problems.
After attempting to flee Dubai in 2018, one of his 25 children, Latifa, said she was being held captive and feared for her life. And, according to court documents, he resolved a £500 million ($660 million) divorce dispute with Princess Haya Bint Al-Hussain, one of his six wives, who fled to Britain in 2019 after getting threatening texts and having her phone hacked.
Mr. Assad also paid a visit to Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, to meet with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. He “emphasised that Syria is a crucial cornerstone of Arab security, and that the UAE is willing to enhance relations with it,” according to Emirati state media.
The presidents reportedly talked about how the UAE could help Syria politically and humanitarianly, as well as how to boost commercial cooperation between the two countries.
President Assad was also seen with Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the owner of Manchester City Football Club.
Syria’s president has made few international excursions since the country’s protracted and violent civil conflict began in March 2011, killing an estimated 350,000 people, according to the United Nations.
Mr. Assad had only visited Russia and Iran, both military allies of his dictatorship, before leaving the war-torn country.
The United States expressed its “deep disappointment and concern” over the UAE’s decision to welcome Mr. Assad.
The US opposes efforts to normalise relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad until the civil war is resolved.