Ankara, April 07 (QNA) - Turkiye and Syria have inked an agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic partnership, following the first meeting of a joint economic and trade committee held in Istanbul.

The deal seeks to enhance trade and investment cooperation, streamline the exchange of goods and services, and broaden collaboration between the public and private sectors.

It also aims to encourage joint investment projects and deepen cooperation across several key sectors of mutual interest.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Ankara is committed to advancing channels of trade diplomacy and exploring opportunities for industrial cooperation with Syria. During talks with Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al Shaar, the two sides reviewed current economic relations and discussed potential areas for collaboration.

In a post on social media platform X, Bolat stressed the importance of building economic ties based on mutual trust. He added that both sides assessed opportunities for cooperation in industrial sectors and discussed updating customs procedures to help facilitate trade.

A Syrian economic delegation led by Al Shaar arrived in Istanbul on Monday to take part in the inaugural session of the joint Syrian-Turkish economic and trade committee, part of broader efforts to boost economic cooperation and support development and stability in the region. (QNA)