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