Al Sharaa: Egyptian companies ‘most deserving’ to participate in Syria's reconstruction

CAIRO – 13 January 2026: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that Syrian-Egyptian relations constitute a strategic pillar of shared Arab security, stressing that these ties are not a political luxury but a historical and strategic necessity. He called for restoring the relationship to its proper course in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and the broader Arab nation.

Speaking during a meeting in Damascus with a delegation from the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, held on the sidelines of the joint Syrian-Egyptian Economic Forum, al-Sharaa said that Egyptian companies are “the most deserving” to participate in Syria’s reconstruction efforts. He highlighted Egypt’s extensive experience over the past decade, particularly in infrastructure and energy, achieved under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

#الشرع: الشركات المصرية لها الأولوية في الإسهام بإعادة إعمار سوريا#القاهرة_الإخبارية #سوريا #دمشق pic.twitter.com/Uqyo6N6IiC

— القاهرة الإخبارية - AlQahera News (@Alqaheranewstv) January 11, 2026

Al-Sharaa noted that he was raised with an Egyptian mindset and feels a deep emotional connection to Egypt, explaining that his father was a Nasserist and a supporter of Arab unity who opposed regimes that abandoned the unity project. “We grew up with an Egyptian mindset and a sense of belonging shaped by my father’s political convictions,” he said.

He emphasized the strong convergence of strategic interests between Damascus and Cairo, underscoring the need for mutual reliance in addressing economic, political, and security challenges. Al-Sharaa added that historical rapprochement between Egypt and Syria has consistently produced benefits not only for both countries but also for the Arab region as a whole. He expressed hope that economic and trade cooperation between the two nations would be further strengthened in the coming period.

During his meeting with the Egyptian delegation, the Syrian president expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian people for their generous hospitality toward Syrian refugees throughout the Syrian war, saying, “This is not surprising for Egyptians, as you are known for this generosity.”

#الشرع يشكر مصر على استقبالها الحافل لمواطنيه خلال فترة الحـ.ـرب#القاهرة_الإخبارية #سوريا #دمشق pic.twitter.com/b65c02ovKC

— القاهرة الإخبارية - AlQahera News (@Alqaheranewstv) January 11, 2026

Al-Sharaa noted that Egypt has pursued a path of growth and development under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over the past decade. He highlighted Egypt’s progress in the energy sector, including the production of hydrogen using solar power (green hydrogen), describing this step as “a sign of foresight, as it is environmentally friendly.”

The meeting also witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding: the first between the chambers of commerce of the two countries, and the second with the African Union of Chambers of Commerce. The signing ceremony was attended by Syrian Minister of Economy Nidal al-Shaar, Egyptian Minister of Finance Yasser Barneh, and Ahmed al-Wakil, the head of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce.