News - Middle East: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an official visit, amid a recent thaw in relations between Syria and the rest of the Arab world.

Heading a Syrian delegation, Assad, accompanied by his wife Asma al-Assad, was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon his arrival at the presidential airport in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His plane was greeted by Emirati fighter jets.

In a post on his Twitter account, Sheikh Mohammed said he had held “constructive talks” with his Syrian counterpart aimed at developing relations between the two countries. 
 
"Our discussions also explored ways of enhancing cooperation to accelerate stability and progress in Syria and the region," he said.