Damascus, SANA-Head of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, Qutaiba Badawi, held a meeting with the Turkish Minister of Trade, Omar Bolat.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed on “high-level coordination between the two countries on economic matters, enhancing trade exchange between them, discussing tariffs, investment in Syrian free zones by Turkish investors, allowing Syrian cars to cross into and from Turkey, and opening the Kasab border crossing between the two countries to the movement of small commercial trucks.”.

The head of the authority also discussed with Minister Bolat and the accompanying delegation, means to develop bilateral trade and economic relations, overcome obstacles to enhancing trade exchange, and raise the level of exports between the two friendly countries.

Badawi expressed his deep gratitude to Turkey, its leadership, government, and people, for their support of the Syrian people from the beginning of the revolution until the final victory and the defeat of the former Assad regime.

He also expressed Syria’s appreciation for Turkey’s honorable stance since the fall of the regime, represented by the formation of committees from all Turkish ministries to assist the Syrian government in all areas and sectors.

Badawi affirmed the need to rehabilitate the infrastructure, particularly scanners at the land crossings and seaports linking the two countries, to facilitate the flow of freight, strengthen the joint transportation sector, and facilitate the exchange of tourist delegations.

For his part, Minister Bolat stressed that the visit of the Turkish delegation, which includes a group of elite Turkish businessmen and heads and representatives of the Turkish Chambers of Commerce and Industry, to Syria; Coming after the formation of the new government, the meeting discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and provided support and assistance to the Syrian side.

He noted the close ties of friendship between the Turkish and Syrian peoples, and emphasized Turkey’s resolve and determination to stand by Syria.

“The Turkish state and people have been supporters of their Syrian brothers since the beginning of the revolution in Syria, ultimately, truth and justice triumphed over falsehood and injustice, and a free and democratic Syrian state was established. God willing, the struggle of the free people in Syria will be crowned with progress on the path of economic development.” The Turkish Minister of Trade said.

He expressed Turkey’s confidence that Syria will remain united and will continue to work to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people, “which is a top priority for Turkey.”.

Several members of the Turkish delegation then inquired about aspects of joint cooperation, including customs, trade, and other matters.

They expressed their willingness to assist Syria in rehabilitating and developing the joint land crossings and the ports of Lattakia and Tartous, and their readiness to facilitate Syria’s acquisition of the necessary information technology.

MHD Ibrahim