Bashar Assad and his Wife in China

Mr Assad was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) In March for an official visit, and two months later he attended the annual summit of the Arab League in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. That was his first invite in 12 years after Syria's membership was reinstated in the 22-member organisation. Syria's currency is collapsing and the country is suffering from a lack of electricity, medicine and daily essentials, despite support from Russia and Iran.