Khaberni - Hani Mahmoud, the first deputy chairman of the General Union of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, said that the union delegation's visit to Syria was with official approval from the Egyptian political leadership.
Mahmoud confirmed in press statements that the visit was purely commercial in nature aimed at "melting any ice" between the two countries and advancing the wheel of joint economic and investment cooperation. However, it evolved after the delegation was informed that "His Excellency the President wishes to meet you", which prompted the team to coordinate with the relevant authorities and obtain the necessary approvals before traveling through Lebanon, where they were officially received by the Syrian presidency in Damascus.
He explained that the meeting with President Al-Sharaa lasted about 45 minutes and was "very positive" about Egypt, where Al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria was at its best when it was linked with Egypt, welcoming the delegation by saying: "Ahlan bikum in your second country."
Mahmoud mentioned a humorous incident during the meeting, when Ahmad Al-Wakil, head of the Union of Chambers of Commerce, jokingly said: "No, this is the northern region and we are the southern region!" The Syrian president immediately responded: "The doors are open for Egyptians and Egyptian companies."
He added that the delegation presented President Al-Sharaa with an introductory booklet containing a list of Egyptian companies and potential areas of cooperation, as a prototype for future partnerships. He revealed that Ahmad Al-Wakil pointed out that the union represents about 6 million members, which made President Al-Sharaa laugh when he heard about this large number wanting to participate.
Mahmoud also mentioned that the discussion touched on the deep social relations between the two peoples, saying: "The Egyptian society includes multiple nationalities after the events of the Arab Spring, but the most integrated were the Syrian community — to the extent that we eat at their places and fix our phones at Syrian shops."
For his part, President Al-Sharaa thanked Egypt for hosting Syrians during the years of crisis, describing the meeting as "wonderful and fruitful."
Mahmoud noted that the following day witnessed the holding of a business forum with the participation of Syrian ministers, which was "very successful," and concluded with an agreement on establishing a joint chamber of commerce between Egypt and Syria.
He clarified that priority areas of cooperation include energy, construction, and telecommunications, where Egyptian achievements in infrastructure over the past decade were showcased. He disclosed that the Syrian Minister of Communications will visit Cairo on January 19, seeking Egyptian support in developing his sector.
Hani Mahmoud concluded his statements by assessing the situation on the ground, stating: "Damascus is stable, and there is no cause for concern within the capital. Outside of it, however, I cannot ascertain what is happening."
This meeting is the latest indicator of the increasing openness between Cairo and Damascus, following the resumption of diplomatic relations and the flow of Egyptian gas to Syria, as part of broader regional efforts to rebuild economic and political links between the two sister nations.
