Mohammed Taha Al-Ahmad, advisor for Arab affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, confirmed that the visit of Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaybani to the Kingdom of Bahrain aims to strengthen bilateral relations and expand economic, financial, and banking cooperation, contributing to revitalizing trade and investment and supporting reconstruction.
Al-Ahmad, in an interview with Al-Ekhbariya channel on Sunday evening, stated that discussions with the Bahraini side addressed ways to enhance cooperation in supply chains, trade exchange, and capacity building, alongside coordinating diplomatic and political efforts on local, regional, and international issues, emphasizing the importance of developing relations to serve the common interests of both countries.
Enhancing financial and banking cooperation
Al-Ahmad pointed out that financial and banking cooperation formed one of the main axes of the discussions, given Bahrain's expertise in this field. He clarified that activating this sector would contribute to reconnecting Syria with the global financial and banking network, facilitating investor entry, and launching projects supporting reconstruction and stimulating the economy.
He noted that developing banking cooperation would follow a multi-stage plan to help overcome investment obstacles and expand economic activity, benefiting from the lifting of sanctions previously imposed on the financial and banking sectors, thanks to diplomatic efforts and support from Syria's brotherly and friendly nations.
Reviewing agreements and developing trade links
Al-Ahmad explained that discussions covered reactivating the Syrian-Bahraini Joint Commission and reviewing approximately 15 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries, aligned with the current reality to enhance and develop bilateral relations. He clarified that Syria's geographical location makes it a gateway to Turkey and Europe and a connection point between Eastern and Western countries, offering opportunities to enhance trade exchange and develop maritime, rail, and land links.
He added that cooperation includes benefiting from Bahrain's experience in capacity building, government digitalization, and digital transformation, alongside developing financial and banking cooperation to enhance investment opportunities and support the economic recovery path.
Facilitating trade and supply movements in the region
Regarding regional developments, Al-Ahmad confirmed that tensions in the Gulf and Red Sea regions have affected regional countries and negatively impacted Syria through rising prices of fuels, goods, and products. He stressed the necessity of a ceasefire between conflicting states and ensuring freedom of navigation and the resumption of maritime trade to guarantee the continued flow of energy sources, food supplies, and various products.
He indicated Syria's readiness to utilize its land and ports to facilitate the transport of products needed by Gulf countries and provide outlets for exporting oil derivatives and gas, thereby enhancing commercial and logistical connectivity among regional states and contributing to supply chain stability.
Foreign Minister and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaybani had announced today an agreement with the Bahraini side to reactivate the joint commission and review bilateral agreements, alongside expanding banking cooperation and exchanging expertise, during his visit to the Bahraini capital, Manama.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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