The Syrian President Receives Thani Al-Zeyoudi: Exploring Partnership Opportunities to Support Economic Recovery in Syria
In a move aimed at enhancing cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Syria, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara received Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi to discuss partnership opportunities to support economic recovery in Syria. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries and to develop new avenues that contribute to the recovery of the Syrian economy.
Official Reception and Strategic Partnerships Discussion
President Ahmad Al-Shara welcomed UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi at the Al-Shaab Palace in Damascus, leading a high-level Emirati delegation. He was accompanied by Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Omar Habtoor Al-Dhaheri, businessman Mohammed Al-Abbar, along with several senior officials and business figures. Al-Zeyoudi conveyed the greetings of the Emirati leaders to President Al-Shara, expressing their desire to enhance stability and prosperity in Syria.
Enhancing Economic Cooperation Between the Two Countries
President Al-Shara emphasized the deep and distinguished relations between the UAE and Syria, expressing hope for the development of these relations to strengthen joint efforts supporting economic recovery in Syria. Both parties highlighted the importance of cooperation in trade and investment sectors and discussed means to continue developing this collaboration to achieve common interests.
Strategies for Sustainable Growth
During the meeting, Al-Zeyoudi discussed the UAE’s support for recovery efforts in Syria, reaffirming the country’s commitment to building sustainable economic partnerships. A series of bilateral meetings with Syrian ministers were held during the visit to discuss strategic cooperation prospects and to establish a roadmap that strengthens economic ties.
Promising Opportunities in Trade and Investment
Coinciding with this visit, the non-oil trade volume between the UAE and Syria was recorded at approximately $1.4 billion in 2025, reflecting an exceptional growth of 132.4% compared to the previous year. Al-Zeyoudi confirmed that this growth reflects the shared desire to build a robust economic partnership, with significant future opportunities for expanding investments and facilitating trade between the two countries.
This visit is an important step in reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to supporting the economic recovery process in Syria, highlighting the significance of strengthening partnerships to achieve prosperity for both peoples.
In the context of this visit, Al-Zeyoudi led the Emirati delegation to participate in the first Emirati-Syrian Business Forum, where investment opportunities and mechanisms for creating long-term partnerships were presented, effectively contributing to building strategic economic relations that benefit both countries.
The visit reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting recovery and economic advancement in Syria, opening up fruitful partnership avenues aimed at enhancing development and investment in various sectors.