ABU DHABI — UAE President Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad held talks on Sunday in Abu Dhabi for the first time in years.

They discussed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen cooperation and constructive joint work which would contribute to achieving their mutual interests.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed offered his condolences to the Syrian President and the people of Syria over the earthquake victims.

He emphasised his confidence in Syria's ability and the determination of its people to overcome this ordeal and move Syria to a new era. — Agencies