[Today’s Prayer] “New Syrian President Visits ‘Uneasy Neighbor’ UAE… Discusses Reconstruction Cooperation”

On the 13th (local time), Ahmed Al-Shara, President of Syria’s Transitional Government, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country with which Syria had an uneasy relationship, to discuss cooperation between the two nations.

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During the summit, the President of the UAE stated, “We will help Syria confront the difficulties of its transitional period and assist in its reconstruction.”

Assad Al-Shaybani, the Syrian Foreign Minister who accompanied President Al-Shara, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that“significant achievements were made in areas such as investment, the resumption of flights, and comprehensive strengthening of bilateral relations.”

This is President Al-Shara’s second visit to a Sunni Arab country in the Middle East, following his trip to Saudi Arabia in February.

In December last year, Al-Shara led Syrian pro-Turkey rebel forces, centered around the Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and took control of the capital Damascus, toppling the Assad dictatorship and ending a 13-year-long civil war.

As the Assad regime — supported by Iran, the Shia power — collapsed, a new Sunni-led government was established, which was quickly welcomed by Sunni countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

On the other hand, the UAE had taken a relatively cautious stance.

A UAE presidential advisor expressed “serious concerns” about the situation in Syria immediately after President Al-Shara’s ousting of Assad.

In Arab countries, where kings and princes monopolize power, there has been anxiety about a potential spread of revolutionary demands at home, similar to the collapse of regimes during the 2010 “Arab Spring.”

The Syrian Transitional Government, in a country divided by religion, sect, and ethnicity, is in dire need of support from the Arab world to unify the nation, lift international sanctions imposed during the Assad dictatorship, and restore its economy.

Meanwhile, in southern Syria, Israel continues to bomb military facilities throughout Syria while occupying the disputed Golan Heights territory without authorization.

President Al-Shara’s visit to the UAE may also be part of efforts to find a way to resolve disputes with Israel. The Associated Press noted, “The UAE, being one of the few Arab countries that has normalized relations with Israel, is in a position to mediate between the two nations.”

Source : Yonhap News

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that Ahmed Al-Shara, President of Syria’s Transitional Government, has visited the neighboring Middle Eastern country of the UAE — with whom relations have long been strained — to discuss cooperation between the two nations.

Though efforts are being made to resolve the conflict with Israel over the Golan Heights and to swiftly stabilize the country after the ceasefire, we see that it cannot all be accomplished by human strength alone.

Lord, have mercy on the Syrian people who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

May only Jesus be the Shepherd who leads Syria’s path and protects it from its enemies, so that souls — like lost sheep — may be found and come to experience the true joy and peace that the Lord gives.

Let the churches remaining in Syria, and the Arab churches, not be discouraged despite the hardships, but be moved to pray even more earnestly for the Syrian people.

Let the Syrian and Arab churches not rely on human methods, but hold firmly to the promise in Isaiah 19 — that Assyria, Egypt, and Israel will worship the Lord together — and rise up in faith.

As You have promised,we believe that You will gather the Syrian people — divided by conflict and strife — into Your vision, and restore the worship that has been broken.

May the Syrian people ultimately rise as a kingdom of priests among the Arabs, serving both Arabs and all nations, and through Syria, prepare the way for the Lord’s return among all nations!