New rapprochement step between Egypt and Syria and agreement to hold a joint business forum - Sarmad

An Egyptian government delegation traveled to the Syrian capital, Damascus, where it participated in the second intergovernmental meeting between the two countries, following the first meeting held in Cairo last April.

The Egyptian delegation was led by Ambassador Ihab Fahmy, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Arab Affairs and Egyptians Abroad. The Syrian delegation was headed by Mohammad Al-Jafal, Advisor to the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The meeting included representatives from ministries, agencies, and relevant bodies in both countries concerned with economy, trade, investment, energy, electricity, oil, gas, and free zones.

According to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, both sides reviewed the outcomes of the first intergovernmental meeting held in Cairo on April 15, 2026, and the resulting consensus on cooperation in priority sectors. The Damascus meeting also agreed on proposed implementation mechanisms in this regard, including considering the formation of relevant technical working groups as soon as possible.

The statement noted that both sides also welcomed the completion of the formation of the joint Egyptian-Syrian Business Council and the holding of its first session on the sidelines of the second intergovernmental meeting. They also agreed on the importance of convening a joint business forum to explore commercial and investment opportunities and advance economic cooperation in priority sectors between the two countries.