Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed meets Syrian President in Damascus

UAE Foreign Minister visited affected areas in Syria and Turkey on Sunday

In this photo released by the official Syrian state news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, right, meets with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. (SANA via AP)

Sheikh Abdullah with Mr Al Assad on February 12. Syrian Presidency Telegram Page / AFP

In this photo released by the official Syrian state news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, right, meets with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. (SANA via AP)

Sheikh Abdullah meets Mr Al Assad. Sana via AP

Sheikh Abdullah visits the headquarters of the UAE search and rescue team in Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah visits the headquarters of the UAE search and rescue team in Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah visits the headquarters of the UAE search and rescue team in Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah talks to members of the UAE search and rescue team in Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah visits the headquarters of the UAE search and rescue team in Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah tours one of Turkey's hard-hit neighbourhoods. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah visits humanitarian workers Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah in Turkey. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah in Turkey. Wam

Follow the latest news on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, discussed humanitarian repercussions after the devastating earthquake with Syria's President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus.

Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the condolences of President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to the Syrian people and victims of the quake.

Mr Al Assad expressed his thanks for the UAE's speedy response to the humanitarian relief and the efforts of its field teams.

He also wished for further development, prosperity and progress for the UAE and its people.

Sheikh Abdullah also visited a number of quake-hit areas in Syria.

He thanked the UAE search and rescue teams in Syria who are part of the UAE's Operation Gallant Knight 2 to rescue those trapped under the rubble.

Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE was committed to providing the necessary support and assistance for those affected by the humanitarian disaster.

Sheikh Abdullah was accompanied by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation.

The UAE has sent 17 aid flights to Turkey and another 10 to Syria so far, delivering 107 tonnes of crucial relief supplies.

Abdullah bin Zayed visits quake-struck areas and UAE's SAR team in Turkey

Sheikh Abdullah also visited Turkey on Sunday and attended quake-hit areas in Kahramanmaras.

He was briefed by Turkish officials on developments in relief work, Ankara's effort to mitigate the earthquake's fallout, and the international support provided to the country.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that the UAE, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed, want to stand by the Turkish people and provide the required support and assistance for those affected.

He expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Turkish people and the families of the victims, praying to Allah Almighty for mercy for the victims and a quick recovery for the injured.

Sheikh Abdullah also visited the headquarters of the UAE search and rescue team in Turkey, which is carrying out work as part of Operation Gallant Knight 2.

He was received by Col Nayef Al Hosani, Commander of the Advanced Command Team at the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence, and members of the team.

Sheikh Abdullah shook hands with the members of the team, praising their efforts in carrying out the Gallant Knight 2, which aims to ease the suffering of those affected by the earthquake.

He met Suleyman Soylu, Minister of Interior of Turkey, in Kahramanmaras.

Accompanying Sheikh Abdullah and Ms Al Hashimy was Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE ambassador to Turkey.