Syria’s president has made his first trip to an Arab country since the Syrian civil war began 11 years ago.

Bashar al-Assad arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, and met several influential and controversial rulers who signaled a willingness to strengthen ties with Syria again.

It marks a potential warming in Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbours, which had previously isolated Mr Assad.

But the US criticised the trip, saying it was “profoundly disappointing”.

Among the Emiratis Mr Assad met was the billionaire ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, who has been embroiled in a number of controversies recently.

Mr Assad also travelled to the UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi, to meet with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. According to Emirati state media, he “stressed that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security, and that the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation with it”.

The leaders reportedly discussed how the UAE could provide political and humanitarian support for Syria, as well as how to promote economic trade between the nations.

Along with the majority of Arab states, the UAE broke ties with Syria soon after the civil war erupted – and once backed rebel fighters in its attempts to overthrow Mr Assad’s regime.

But in recent years relations between the two countries have gradually improved, with the UAE spearheading efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab fold despite protests from Washington.

In 2018 the UAE reopened its embassy in Syria’s capital, Damascus, and in November last year, diplomats were sent there to meet President Assad.

Even if gradual, any improvement of ties with a wealthy Gulf neighbour would be a boost to Mr Assad’s government, which has been crippled by Western sanctions and international isolation.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-60804050