UPDATES WITH MEETING BETWEEN SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BAHRAIN’S KING; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE
By Rasa Evrensel, Ikram Kouachi and Rania Abu Shamala
ISTANBUL (AA) – Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Saturday discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
The meeting took place at Sakhir Palace, according to Bahrain's official news agency.
The agency reported that King Hamad received al-Sharaa and his accompanying delegation at Sakhir Palace in western Bahrain. Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was also present on the occasion.
The two sides “discussed relations and opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various domains. They also addressed regional developments and the efforts undertaken in that regard.”
The discussions covered “the latest developments in Syria and ways to support the country’s security and stability,” the agency added.
Later, the Syrian president departed the Kingdom of Bahrain and was seen off by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency.
Earlier, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Bahrain on Saturday on his first official visit to the country, according to Syria’s state-run news agency.
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of Bahrain’s king, welcomed al-Sharaa upon his arrival in Manama, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.
The visit is al-Sharaa’s sixth to an Arab country and his eighth international trip since taking office in January 2025. His earlier stops included Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and France.
His regional tour follows a major political shift in Syria after longtime leader Bashar Assad fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending nearly 25 years in power and bringing an end to Baath Party rule that began in 1963.
Observers say al-Sharaa’s visits aim to restore Syria’s regional ties and strengthen its diplomatic standing in the post-Assad period.