DUBAI: Syrian President Bashar al Assad met Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum on Friday, his first visit to an Arab state since the civil war began in 2011.

According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, Assad also met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan.

The two leaders discussed a number of issues of common concern, emphasised the preservation of the territorial integrity of Syria and the withdrawal of foreign forces, in addition to humanitarian support.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2022