President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call on Tuesday with King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The two sides engaged in cordial discussions reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia

During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Rawdha in Al Ain, Sheikh Mohamed warmly received the Saudi Crown Prince, describing the UAE as his second home. The two sides engaged in cordial discussions reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

A U.S. source familiar with the matter said White House officials discussed an overture with Emirati officials, citing the UAE's interest in financing Syria's reconstruction and Assad's "weakened position" after Israel's offensive against Hezbollah.

The US has discussed lifting sanctions on Syria if it cuts ties with Iran and blocks weapons smuggling routes to Hezbollah.

Talks have intensified in light of the Dec. 20 expiration of sweeping US sanctions on Syria and Israel’s ongoing campaign targeting Iranian-backed networks in the region.