Syria, Denmark discuss partnership agreement, economic cooperation
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad al-Shaibani on Tuesday said he discussed with his Danish counterpart Lars Løkke Rasmussen a partnership agreement that would provide an institutional framework for cooperation between the two countries across various fields.
Al-Shaibani made the remarks during a joint press conference with Rasmussen in Damascus.
On Monday, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the Danish foreign minister and his accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
Al-Shaibani said Denmark reopened its embassy in Damascus after a 14-year closure, becoming the first Scandinavian country to reopen a resident embassy in Damascus at ambassadorial level.
He said the Danish embassy in Damascus would serve as a platform for Nordic countries and represent an important diplomatic presence, calling on Danish companies to seize opportunities early and contribute to the renewable energy and water sectors.
He added that direct flights between Damascus and Copenhagen would begin on Sep. 21, helping strengthen connectivity between the two countries.
Al-Shaibani said Syrians living in Denmark, including doctors, engineers, students and business owners, represent national and strategic assets.
Rasmussen, for his part, said during the press conference that the two sides would begin establishing a framework for future cooperation through a partnership agreement and take practical steps in that direction.
He added that the two countries would explore establishing a joint Danish-Syrian business council to promote bilateral cooperation.
Rasmussen said Syria has enormous potential to become the breadbasket of the entire region, adding that the dialogue that began during his first visit to Syria would culminate in the signing of a partnership agreement that would pave the way for further cooperation.
The Danish minister stressed that Syria needs a strong financial system, along with the lifting of sanctions, to unlock its vast investment potential.