Iran, Syria Mull Prospects of Economic, Trade Cooperation

EghtesadOnline: Syrian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Mohammad Samer al-Khalil discussed with Iranian Minister of Industries, Mining and Trade Mohammad Shariatmadari prospects of bilateral economic cooperation and means of expanding it to include various fields.

News ID: ۷۸۲۹۸۳

20 June 2018

Al-Khalil heads the Syrian side of Syria-Iran Ministerial Economic Committee, Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

During their meeting in Tehran on Tuesday in the presence of Syria’s Ambassador to Iran Adnan Mahmoud, the two ministers expressed keenness on benefiting from the available potential in the public and private sectors in both countries to enhance cooperation in economic, commercial and investment domains.

Both sides discussed means of developing and activating the free trade agreement in the interest of the two countries, reviving the joint investment of some free zones, setting up joint banks and exchanging the opening of accounts and dealing in local currencies, Financial Tribune reported.

Al-Khalil thanked the Iranian leadership, government and people for supporting Syria in its war against terrorism.

“Iran will be a main partner in the reconstruction process,” he said.

Cooperation in All Domains

Shariatmadari described the Syrian-Iranian relations as “strategic and deep-rooted.”

The Iranian minister hoped that all Syrian territories would be cleaned of terrorism.

“After achieving victory upon terrorism, the phase of reconstructing Syria will start,” Shariatmadari said, expressing Iran’s full readiness for active participation in this phase and for cooperation in all domains.

Earlier on Monday, Khalil discussed with Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi ways of enhancing mechanisms of economic, trade, financial and investment cooperation between Syria and Iran.

Akhoundi heads the Iranian side of Syria-Iran Ministerial Economic Committee.

The two sides discussed a long-term strategic economic agreement that links Syria with Iran, which is based on economic relations in all their forms during the coming period.

Al-Khalil affirmed eagerness to develop economic, investment, financial, commercial and banking relations between the two countries and reconstruction in Syria.

“The current stage is decisive for Syria and Iran, and we are on the threshold of the phase of rebuilding Syria and take advantage of the expertise of Iranian companies in this domain,” he added.

Akhoundi affirmed the importance of continuing consultation between the two sides to reach the desired goals in a way that serves the interests of two countries.

Al-Khalil also discussed with Iranian Economy Minister Masoud Karbasian on Monday ways of implementing agreements signed between the two sides, the signing of new ones and encouraging public and private sectors to carry out joint projects.

Karbasian reaffirmed Iran’s firm will to cooperate with Syria, stressing the Iranian companies’ readiness to take part in the rebuilding stage.

In a joint statement following the meeting, al-Khalil said the talks were constructive and positive.

In the same context, al-Khalil discussed with adviser to the first vice president of Iran and the head of the Committee for Development of Iranian Economic Relations with Syria and Iraq means of boosting strategic cooperation between the two sides in economic, commercial, investment and services sectors.

The two sides stressed the importance of the railroad connecting Syria, Iran and Iraq in facilitating access to the Mediterranean Sea and Europe, which will positively reflect on the flow of goods and reduce costs.

They underlined the need to establish a joint free market among the three states.

The Iranian official stressed the importance of exchanging visits and expertise, establishing joint banks, trading in national currency and registering trade companies.