UAEG RECIEVES SYRIAN PRESIDENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 004501 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/IR, NEA/ARP, NEA/ELA E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2016 TAGS: PREL AE SY SUBJECT: UAEG RECIEVES SYRIAN PRESIDENT Classified By: CDA MARTIN QUINN, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) Summary: On December 17, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan hosted Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad in Abu Dhabi, followed by a separate meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MbZ). According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM),Khalifa "warmly" welcomed Bashar, saying his visit would "contribute immensely in boosting further the bilateral ties between the two countries." Al-Asad made similarly warm remarks regarding "fraternal" relations when he addressed the local Syrian community. Bashar reportedly feels that international political pressure has lifted to some degree and is optimistic for Syria's future role in the Arab world. Bashar's meetings in Abu Dhabi were very well attended by senior officials and included many Cabinet ministers and all of the Al-Nahyan "beni-Fatima power block." He is reportedly visiting Dubai prior to his departure from the UAE December ¶18. End summary. Bashar feels political pressure easing -------------- ¶2. (C) Post does not have a specific readout of meetings in Abu Dhabi, but reports indicate that Bashar Al-Asad feels that the political pressure on him has eased considerably. Sultan Al-Rumaithi, Deputy PM Hamdan bin Zayed's Chief of Staff, told PolOff that "Bashar feels like things are going his way" and that "he is not as pressured as before" (meaning a few months before). On December 18, English Daily "Gulf News" quoted Bashar as saying that the political pressure imposed on Syria by the U.S. and other Western countries is "being relaxed in the recent weeks" and that "Syria is poised for a prosperous year." Bashar reportedly based his optimism on restored diplomatic relations with Iraq and on "declining tension with the West." His reception by UAE leaders was prominently covered with a full page of photographs in the Arabic press. ¶3. (C) In MbZ's meeting with Bashar, according to press reports, the two highlighted the need for coordination among Arab states and emphasized "consolidating Arab ranks" to enhance regional stability and "address the current challenges." During a November 17 reception for the local Syrian business community, Bashar said that the UAEG's warm hospitality reflected "strong fraternal bonds" between the two countries and encouraged the Syrian community to build on that relationship. Informal readouts from senior Emirati officials suggest that Bashar said nothing "interesting" in his early meetings in Abu Dhabi, in spite of the brotherly optics of the visit. Acting MFA U/S Tariq Al Haidan (former UAE ambassador to Damascus) was reluctant to characterize meetings that he said he didn,t attend but told DCM that he was sure Bashar "would listen to what he heard from the UAE." Bashar is scheduled to travel to Dubai on December 18 to meet with UAE Prime Minister, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum before continuing on to Moscow. ¶4. (C) Comment: The meetings with Bashar appear to be more form than substance, but the form/optic has been powerful and "brotherly" for both Syria and the UAE. The UAEG's repudiation of repeated USG attempts to discourage engagement with Syria has no doubt encouraged Bashar, who appears to feel that momentum is moving in his direction. Sultan Al-Rumaithi also told PolOff that Syria/Iran feel that time is on their side, stating "Iraq is playing into Iran's plan." End comment. QUINN