Abu Dhabi: The fourth and final session of the UAE-Syrian Joint Economic Committee meeting held in Abu Dhabi on November 9 and 10 was attended by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Dr Mohammad Al Hussain, Syrian Minister of Finance, Mohammad Ahmad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehi, Director-General of the UAE Ministry of Economy and members of the Joint Committee.
Al Tayer commended the growth in investment, trade and economic relations between the two countries. He also praised the rapid development of these relations after the establishment of the Joint Committee in 2001. Al Tayer confirmed the strong desire for better relations between the UAE and Syria and expressed his hope that joint cooperation in new areas would benefit both countries in various sectors.
Real estate investment
The UAE and Syria signed seven agreements at the meeting. They included cooperation in air transportation and two memoranda of understanding in environmental protection and social development. In addition, a number of executive programmes for cultural and scientific cooperation in higher education, scientific research and cultural fields were signed. The two sides also agreed to cooperate in the education and tourism sectors.
The final meeting discussed steps to encourage Emirati investment in Syria's real estate sector by modifying its Law No 11 for 2008, which deals with property rights of non-Syrians. Al Hussain praised the efforts of the UAE-Syrian Joint Committee to strengthen economic relations, and stressed the need for more joint agreements and projects.
