Manama: His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Excellency Asaad Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, held a joint press conference today to mark the official visit of His Excellency President Ahmed Al-Sharaa of Syria to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Al Zayani highlighted that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had held extensive talks with President Al-Sharaa, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The discussions emphasized the long-standing fraternal relations between the two nations and explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in sectors such as trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education.
The discussions also covered recent developments in Syria, focusing on national efforts to ensure security, stability, and societal unity, along with meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. Both parties stressed the importance of Syria's engagement with the international community to secure political, economic, and developmental support.
Minister Al Zayani stated that His Majesty the King reaffirmed Bahrain's unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and efforts to restore peace and stability. His Majesty also expressed support for Syria's reintegration at the regional and international levels and its efforts to lift economic sanctions.
His Majesty praised the Syrian leadership's initiatives to unify the people and acknowledged the significance of the outcomes of Syria's National Dialogue Conference in addressing complex national challenges. He also emphasized the importance of regional initiatives, such as the Bahrain Summit, in fostering Arab solidarity and supporting comprehensive peace efforts, expressing hope for the success of the upcoming Baghdad Summit in promoting Arab cooperation and integration.
His Majesty the King called for continued consultation and coordination between both nations, encouraging mutual exchanges of delegations and expertise to reinforce bilateral relations. He also directed a review of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Bahrain for their hospitality, reflecting the noble values and strong ties shared between the two nations. He described the visit as a turning point in bilateral relations, establishing a new chapter based on mutual trust and respect.
Minister Al-Shaibani emphasized Syria's commitment to broadening cooperation with Bahrain, particularly in economic development, investment, and post-conflict reconstruction. He highlighted the importance of institutional communication, public-private partnerships, and cultural and scientific exchange, underscoring Syria's desire to establish a sustainable framework for collaboration.
He reiterated Syria's firm stance on preserving its unity and sovereignty while categorically rejecting foreign interference. He renewed Syria's call for the lifting of economic sanctions, describing it as necessary for humanitarian and regional stability, which would positively contribute to regional security and reduce migration, poverty, and extremism.
In closing, Minister Al-Shaibani extended gratitude to His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the government, and the people of Bahrain for their warm welcome, expressing sincere wishes for Bahrain's continued prosperity and strengthening of relations between the two brotherly nations.