Syrian interim President Sharaa makes first official visit to Bahrain
2 Min Read
The meeting reportedly focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
-
Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and his accompanying delegation arrived at Sakhir Air Base in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they were received by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (@SyPresidency)
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Bahrain on Sunday for the first time since taking power in December, where he was received by King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, according to Bahrain's state media.
The meeting, held at the royal palace, focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries. "The discussions covered the latest developments in Syria and ways to support the country's security and stability," the Bahrain News Agency reported, adding that the two leaders also reviewed regional affairs and avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors.
Sharaa assumed leadership after his Islamist-led coalition ousted former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8. Since then, he has been touring regional capitals, including Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, as well as several European cities, in an effort to shore up diplomatic ties and secure international recognition.
رئيس الجمهورية العربية السورية السيد أحمد الشرع والوفد المرافق له يصل مطار قاعدة الصخير الجوية في مملكة البحرين، حيث كان في استقباله كلٌّ من سمو الشيخ ناصر بن حمد بن عيسى آل خليفة ممثل صاحب الجلالة للأعمال الإنسانية وشؤون الشباب، وسعادة وزير الخارجية الدكتور عبد اللطيف بن راشد… pic.twitter.com/GFA8P4at6q
— رئاسة الجمهورية العربية السورية (@SyPresidency) May 10, 2025
In a joint press conference, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani highlighted the sectors targeted for partnership. "They discussed paths towards bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance and develop it in various sectors, including trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education," he said.
Read more: Qatar to allocate $87mln for salaries of civil servants in Syria
Bahrain had previously severed diplomatic ties with al-Assad's government during the Syrian civil war but began restoring relations in recent years. Following Assad's ouster, Bahrain was among the first to express support for the new Syrian leadership.
In a message sent shortly after Sharaa's forces seized Damascus, King Hamad conveyed "Bahrain's readiness to continue consultations and coordination with Syria and to support regional and international organisations in efforts that benefit the Syrian people."
King Hamad and Sharaa last met during the Arab League summit hosted in Manama in May 2024.
