DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - A United Arab Emirates diplomat has praised Syrian President Bashar Assad’s “wise leadership,” describing relations between the two Arab countries as “solid and special.”
The comments by Charge d’affaires Abdul-Hakim Naimi came during a ceremony late on Monday in Damascus to mark UAE’s National Day.
In December 2018, the UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus for the first time in seven years, a reflection of improved relations between Assad and some of his Arab foes as the government gains more ground in the war-torn country.
People were interested in these podcasts
Naimi said he hopes that “peace, security and stability will prevail Syria under the shadow of the wise leadership” of Assad.
The UAE was a supporter of the Syrian opposition, which is now largely confined to the northern Idlib province after losing its strongholds elsewhere.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.