Trade minister continues talks in Syria on infrastructure, economic cooperation
Minister of Trade Omer Bolat during his official visit to Syria’s capital, Damascus, on April 16, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Trade Minister Omer Bolat continued his official visit to Syria’s capital, Damascus, emphasizing Ankara’s willingness to assist in Syria’s reconstruction process.
Speaking at a meeting with Syrian business leaders and Trade Chamber members, Bolat said Ankara will provide support for infrastructure development and institutional capacity-building based on Syria’s request.
“Syria is now rebuilding its infrastructure, economic legislation, and institutional capacity. As the government of Türkiye, we will support these efforts to the extent requested by the Syrian government,” Bolat said.
On the last day of our visit to Damascus, we brought together the heads of Turkish business people and private sector organizations, the members of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Aleppo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with the Syrian Minister of… pic.twitter.com/ce33whOACt
— Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat (@omerbolatTR) April 17, 2025
Bilateral cooperation targets infrastructure, economy, and transport
Bolat, who arrived in Damascus a day earlier, met with several Syrian officials, including Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar, Finance Minister Mohamed Yasser Barnia, and Minister of Transport Yarub Suleyman Badr.
During talks, the ministers discussed establishing a roadmap for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Infrastructure—particularly in transportation, trade routes, and customs—was a key focus of the bilateral discussions.
“Strong countries need strong economies. For strong economies, we need trade and investment, and for that, we need robust transport infrastructure,” Bolat stated.
He emphasized that roads, railways, ports, and air corridors must be renewed and connected to international networks.
As part of our visit to Damascus, we held an inter-delegation meeting with the Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, H.E. Nidal al-Sha'ar.
In our meeting, we, as Türkiye and Syria, discussed bilateral trade issues, infrastructure, transportation, energy, finance, health and… pic.twitter.com/9m6WFBizG9
— Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat (@omerbolatTR) April 16, 2025
Türkiye, Syria aim to build regional economic integration
During a speech at a business forum, Bolat highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, citing shared traditions and over 900 kilometers of border.
“We have a thousand-year history with Syria. Today, there are approximately 4 million Arabic-speaking Syrians who also speak Turkish. These individuals will play an important role in building economic and cultural bridges between Türkiye and the 325 million people of the Arab world,” he said.
Bolat also noted that many Syrians who lived in Türkiye during the conflict years gained valuable experience in trade and production, and he encouraged them to invest those skills in Syria’s recovery.
Bolat stresses Türkiye’s role in Syria’s future development
In a meeting with Syrian civil society and business representatives, Bolat reiterated Türkiye’s long-standing support during the conflict and its continued commitment to a stable and prosperous Syria.
“The establishment of a free and new Syria will be your achievement. As your Muslim brothers and neighbors, it is our duty to support you,” Bolat stated.
He added that Türkiye, under the instruction of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is mobilizing all ministries and private sector partners to contribute to Syria’s redevelopment in sectors such as agriculture, industry, transportation, defense, energy, and technology.
Today, we are in Damascus, the capital of Syria, where freedom and hope are beginning to flourish once again.
Together with our delegation and esteemed representatives of our business community, we are visiting Damascus to embrace our brothers and sisters in Syria, who have… pic.twitter.com/oxNC1z53GT
— Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat (@omerbolatTR) April 16, 2025
Syria welcomes Türkiye’s initiative for renewed ties
According to Economy Minister al-Shaar, the Syrian government views Türkiye’s visit positively and expressed readiness to overcome current obstacles together.
He said President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s message was one of cooperation and hope for rewriting history through strong bilateral relations.
Finance Minister Barnia and Transport Minister Suleyman also welcomed Ankara’s initiative, with Suleyman describing Bolat’s visit as “a crowning moment of support” and the beginning of a new phase in Türkiye-Syria collaboration.
