Mohammad arrives in Syria on visit

Damascus: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arrived here on Friday on a private visit to Syria.

He was received on arrival by Farouq Al Sha'ra, Syrian Vice-President, in addition to a number of senior officials. Also present was Mohammad Al Muhairabi, UAE Charge d'Affaires.

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad meanwhile is arriving in the UAE on Sunday on an official visit.

During the visit, Bashar will hold talks with President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE and Syria on various avenues.

The leaders will also discuss developments on regional and international levels, and will exchange views on Arab issues.

The visit underscores the warmth of relations between the UAE and Syria, said Dr Rostom Al Zoubi, Syrian Ambassador to the UAE.

In statement to WAM, the Syrian envoy said the visit was part of regular consultations between Shaikh Khalifa and Bashar. "President Bashar Al Assad is keen to consult with President Shaikh Khalifa and Vice-President Shaikh Mohammad on a number of Arab issues. This visit will also provide an opportunity to foster inter-Arab cooperation," said Al Zoubi.