Minister of Trade Bolat Holds Talks in Syria
Wishing success to the new Syrian government in its efforts, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated, “Under the instruction of our President, we are ready to coordinate at all levels—as ministries and private sector organizations—like two states, one nation, for strategic cooperation and full economic and social integration.”
Minister Bolat and his delegation held various meetings in Damascus, the capital of Syria. His first stop was the Ministry of Economy, where he held bilateral and interdelegation meetings with Syrian Minister of Economy Nidal Shaar. In the subsequent press conference, Bolat emphasized Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria’s development.
Bolat said, “A new, strong, stable, and united Syria will be built together. As the Government and people of the Republic of Turkey, we will continue to stand by our Syrian brothers. We will support the rebuilding of Syria’s economy—its industry, agriculture, services, and energy—because the stability and unity of Turkey and Syria are inseparable.”
Minister Shaar welcomed the Turkish delegation warmly and emphasized the need to overcome current obstacles together. He noted the historical, geographical, and cultural closeness between the two countries and expressed hope for deepening cooperation. “Our aim is to facilitate and improve bilateral relations. We will put our hearts into this work,” he said.
“We are the first official delegation to visit Damascus after the formation of the new government”
Bolat’s next stop was the Ministry of Transport, where he met with Syrian Minister of Transport Yarub Suleiman Badr. Bolat expressed satisfaction at visiting the capital of a new, free Syria and reiterated Turkey’s support for Syria’s stability and development.
“We hope to see a strong Syria with a prosperous economy and a peaceful society,” said Bolat. “To achieve this, we need a solid transportation infrastructure—including road, rail, maritime, and airways—connecting Syria with international networks.” He added that “roads are civilization,” quoting President Erdoğan.
Minister Badr welcomed the Turkish delegation, noting that the visit symbolized a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and a continuation of Turkish support after Syria’s liberation.
“We are ready to work together for a stable, united, and economically strong New Syria”
Minister Bolat also met with Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammed Yusr Berniyye. During the meeting, Bolat emphasized that Turkey stood with the Syrian people during their most difficult times and expressed hope for fruitful outcomes from the new Syrian government, which was formed on March 29.
He reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness for strategic cooperation: “With the guidance of our President, we are ready to fully coordinate with Syria in all areas for economic and social integration. We are prepared to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction in all fields—from agriculture and industry to transportation, infrastructure, energy, and technology.”
Finance Minister Berniyye responded by saying: “We want the private sector to take the lead in the New Syria. The government no longer wishes to bear this burden. There are investment opportunities in Syria, and we want to benefit from Turkey’s vast experience. We seek a real strategic partnership with Turkey.”
Following his ministerial visits, Minister Bolat also met with the Director General of the Syrian General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports, Kuteyba Ahmed Bedevi, to discuss areas of cooperation between the two countries.