)Reuters( Syrian President Bashar Assad visited the United States Emirates on Friday, March 18, 2022, in a first visit to an Arab state since the Syrian war began in 2011.

Assad met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan who "stressed that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security, and that the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation with it", Emirati state news agency (WAM) reported.

They also discussed political and humanitarian support for Syria and its people to reach a peaceful solution to all the challenges it faces.

WAM said Sheikh Mohammed "expressed his wishes that this visit will pave the way for goodness, peace and stability to prevail in Syria and the entire region". Assad briefed him on the latest developments in Syria, it said.

Assad also met vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Syrian presidency said in a statement.

The two discussed expanding bilateral relations between their countries especially at the economic, investment and commercial levels.