ABU DHABI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held a phone call on Monday with Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria's interim foreign minister, to discuss the recent developments in Syria and ways to strengthen bilateral ties, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the importance of safeguarding Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, and reiterated the UAE's commitment to supporting efforts for an inclusive transitional phase that aligns with the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, development, and dignity, the WAM reported.

Their conversation also focused on enhancing bilateral relations and fostering collaboration in areas of mutual interests, it added. ■