THE meeting between His Majesty King Hamad and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa represents a new ‘turning point’ in Bahrain-Syria relations, a top minister has said.
The King held a comprehensive discussion session with President Al Sharaa at Sakhir Palace yesterday, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The meeting, described as both historic and strategic, focused on reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations and charting a path forward for deeper co-operation across critical sectors, including trade, civil aviation, energy, health and education.
“This is a turning point in Bahrain-Syria relations,” Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani told reporters during a joint Press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani at the Sakhir Air Base yesterday.
“We are entering a new phase of strategic engagement based on mutual respect, sovereign independence and regional solidarity.”
Dr Al Zayani emphasised that the talks reflected a shared determination to support the Syrian people, promote unity among the population and encourage ongoing efforts by Damascus to ensure national reconciliation and recovery from years of conflict.
“Bahrain stands firmly in support of Syria’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity,” said Dr Al Zayani.
“His Majesty King Hamad assured President Al Sharaa of Bahrain’s readiness to assist in every way possible so that Syria may regain its rightful regional and international standing.”
Dr Al Zayani added that during the meeting that the King reaffirmed Bahrain’s opposition to economic sanctions against Syria, advocating for their complete removal to facilitate the country’s recovery and reintegration into the regional economy.
“We see lifting the sanctions as a humanitarian necessity and an economic imperative,” said Dr Al Zayani.
“The Syrian people deserve a chance at a decent life, and Bahrain will continue to work with the international community to ensure sustainable political and economic support.
“His Majesty also praised the efforts of the Syrian leadership to foster internal unity, particularly the outcomes of the Syrian Dialogue Summit, which he said contributes meaningfully to the pursuit of peace and stability across the Arab region.
“Furthermore, His Majesty emphasised the importance of implementing the resolutions adopted during the Arab League Summit held in Bahrain last May, expressing hope that the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad would further advance joint Arab interests.”
Dr Al Zayani said both nations have agreed to resume negotiations on all levels and review existing agreements and memorandums across all fields.
“Trade, civil aviation, energy, health and education top our mutual interests,” he said.
“With this landmark visit, Bahrain and Syria have not only reaffirmed their enduring ties, but also committed to a shared future built on mutual trust, regional co-operation and a renewed spirit of Arab unity.”
The Syrian Foreign Minister, speaking alongside Dr Al Zayani, hailed the meeting as the ‘beginning of a new chapter’ in Damascus-Manama ties.
“We are proud to be in the pearl of the Gulf – Bahrain,” said Mr Al Shaibani.
“We thank the leadership and people of Bahrain for their warm hospitality and unwavering support, especially His Majesty’s official letter to our leadership that has laid the foundation for this new phase.”
Mr Al Shaibani stressed the importance of rebuilding Syria through partnerships with regional allies and noted Bahrain’s role as a vital partner in this endeavour.
“Experience has proven that Arab unity can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. We, in Syria, understand the value of these
partnerships, especially with Bahrain,” he added.
The Syrian minister called for increased co-operation in all sectors – governmental and private – across both nations, especially in areas such as education, economy, culture and tourism.
“We categorically reject any external interference that seeks to divide Syria or bring back sectarian strife,” he said.
“We call for the lifting of all economic sanctions so we can begin the process of rebuilding, recovery, and restoring stability.”
Mr Al Shaibani said that a stable and unified Syria would benefit the entire region by curbing extremism, reducing forced migration and fostering prosperity.
“His Majesty King Hamad’s directives will elevate bilateral co-operation to new heights,” he said. “Economy, education, culture, and tourism will be the key pillars of this growing relationship.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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