Mohammed bin Rashid reiterates UAE's support to Syrian people

Doha: (WAM) - The Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has emphasised that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, backs the Syrian cause and efforts by the Syrian people towards achieving their goals, and appealed to the Syrian opposition forces to unite, consolidate joint action and expand their base in Syria. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed made his remarks as he received Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib, the president of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, in presence of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the 24th ordinary session of the Arab summit. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also stressed that the UAE condemns all forms of violence in Syria. He added that the speech delivered to the summit by Al-Khatib yesterday was 'touching' and expressed the Syrian people's hopes and ambitions. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also noted the role the Syrian community in the UAE plays and reiterated that the UAE bears in mind the concerns of this community, in particular during the current 'crushing' crisis. For his part, Al-Khatib, on behalf of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, thanked the UAE for its support for the Syrian people in their effort to achieve their national goals. Al-Khatib said: "We consider the UAE a supporter of the Syrian people." The meeting discussed the current situation in Syria and ways to support the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces to enable it to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people. Also present at the meeting were Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State, Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Director of the Dubai Ruler's Office, and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality. – Emirates News Agency, WAM