Syrian President al-Sharaa Visits Bahrain, Discusses Ties With King Hamad Amid Qatari Grant and US Sanctions Exemption
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made his first official visit to Bahrain since taking office in January 2025, leading a high-level delegation. He was received at Sakhir Air Base by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
During the visit, President al-Sharaa held talks with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al-Sakhir Palace. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and coordinating efforts on issues of mutual interest. Both sides also addressed regional affairs and ways to support Syria's stability and security.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani stated that Bahrain was among the first countries to support Syria since its liberation. He added that Syria is committed to boosting economic cooperation with Bahrain.
The visit comes after al-Sharaa's recent trip to France, his first official visit to a Western country since taking office. Al-Shibani described the Paris visit as a turning point for efforts to lift sanctions on Syria and to foster regional security, peace, and investment. French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed lifting sanctions on Syria, a move welcomed by the European Union.
Additionally, Syria has recently received a Qatari financial grant to help pay public sector salaries. The United States confirmed that its sanctions exemption mechanism enabled Qatar to provide such assistance. The US is awaiting a response from Syrian authorities to its demands.
Since assuming the presidency, al-Sharaa has visited several Arab and regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkey. Syria has also confirmed indirect talks with Israel, according to statements made during al-Sharaa's visit to France.
#الآن | Al-Shaibani talks about a bright page with #البحرين and hundreds of Syrian families returning from #لبنان
Presenter: Dima Abu Dan @DimaAbodan
#تلفزيون_سوريا https://t.co/K1L2WN5vjX
Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met and held talks with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Shara in Manama on Saturday. It is Ahmed al-Shara's latest meeting with leaders of countries in the region since taking power in Syria.
The two sides discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of trade, energy, https://t.co/cmjdwSVssX
