Bahrain and Syria Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties During President Al-Sharaa's Official Visit
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
5 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Syria Announces 200% Wage, Pension Increase
Syria announced yesterday a 200 percent hike in public sector wages and pensions, as it seeks to address a grinding economic crisis following the recent easing of international sanctions. Over a decade of civil war has taken a heavy toll on Syria's economy, with the United Nations reporting that more than 90 percent of the population lives in poverty. In a decree published by state media, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued the salary and pension increases in a bid to support the country's recovery. Workers look on as a truckload of wheat purchased by the Kurdish authorities is unloaded at a silo in the northeastern city of Qamishli. Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2011 — which began with former ruler Bashar al-Assad's brutal repression of anti-government protests — Syria has faced a painful economic crisis that continues even after Assad's ouster in December by Islamist-led forces. The war has ravaged the country's infrastructure and industry, while international sanctions have compounded Syria's economic woes. Economic Sanctions Al-Sharaa issued a '200 percent increase to salaries and wages… for all civilian and military workers in public ministries, departments, and institutions.' Under the decree, the minimum wage for government employees was raised to 750,000 Syrian pounds per month, or around $75, up from approximately $25. A separate decree granted the same 200 percent increase to retirement pensions, as covered under current social insurance legislation. Support and Challenges Last month, the United States and European Union announced they would lift some economic sanctions to ease the humanitarian crisis. Also in May, Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh said Qatar, a key backer of the new Islamist-led government, would help fund public sector salaries. Syria currently has around 1.25 million public sector workers, according to official figures. Many Syrians continue to wait long hours at banks or ATMs to withdraw money due to cash shortages, while prices for basic goods have continued to rise.
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Deadly Explosion During Sunday Mass in Damascus Church.
A deadly suicide bombing shook the Mar Elias Church in Damascus on Sunday, leaving at least 30 people dead or injured during a packed morning mass, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The exact number of casualties remains unclear. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with the attacker reportedly detonating an explosive device inside the church while worshippers gathered in prayer. Local reports suggest that children may be among the victims. Security forces and emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes, cordoning off the area and assisting the wounded. This tragic incident is one of the rare attacks of its kind in Syria in recent years, especially in the capital. It comes at a sensitive time, as Damascus — currently under the influence of Islamist factions — has been working to rebuild trust and relations with minority communities, including Christians. The attack has reignited fears of a possible resurgence of extremist sleeper cells, even as Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa continues efforts to assert control across the war-torn nation. The bombing underscores the fragile security situation and the deep scars left by years of conflict.
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Gulf Insider
HRH The Crown Prince And Prime Minister Issues Circular On The Hijri New Year Holiday
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today issued a circular regarding the 1447 AH Hijri New Year holiday. According to the circular, the Kingdom's ministries and public institutions will be closed on the 1st of Muharram, corresponding to Thursday, 26 June 2025. Source Bahrain News Agency 7 hours ago 9 hours ago 9 hours ago
