Ankara, April 7 (SANA) – Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat said that transit trade through Syria to the Middle East and Gulf countries has now become possible, highlighting growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during the Türkiye–Syria Business and Investment Forum, Bolat said the event provided an opportunity to discuss a wide range of economic issues, including trade, industry, investment, transport, customs, energy cooperation, financial relations, and trade fairs between the two countries.
Bolat noted that trade relations between Syria and Türkiye have accelerated, with bilateral trade reaching $3.7 billion last year, marking a 40 percent increase compared with the previous year. He stressed the importance of achieving balanced and sustainable trade between the two countries.
The Turkish minister added that Ankara had shared information with the Syrian side about reviving the pre-2011 Free Trade Agreement, while also exploring the possibility of a broader economic cooperation framework between the two countries.
Bolat also pointed out that the agreement establishing a joint customs committee entered into force on March 26, noting that relevant ministries in both countries will work on facilitating customs procedures. He expressed confidence that stronger economic integration between Syria and Türkiye would contribute to prosperity for both peoples.
The remarks came as a Syrian economic delegation headed by Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar arrived in Istanbul Monday to participate in the first meeting of the Syrian–Turkish Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), aimed at expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
Kh.A
