Damascus, July 17 (SANA)Minister of Foreign Affairs and ExpatriatesAsaad Hassan al-Shaibanisaid on Thursday that Syria has become a reliable investment partner forGermanyafter concluding strategic agreements in the energy and infrastructure sectors, as Damascus seeks to expand economic cooperation with Berlin.Speaking at the opening session of theSyrian-German Joint Committee, which he co-chaired with Germany’s Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr, al-Shaibani said the committee agreement marked “a new phase” in bilateral relations built on growing political momentum and shared commitment.The meeting brought together officials and experts from both countries to discuss expanding cooperation in several key sectors.Al-Shaibani said theSyrian governmenthas signed major strategic contracts, including understandings with Siemens Energy, which he said strengthen Syria’s position as “a reliable partner for Germany” in productive investment and sustainable development.He said the agreements reflect Syria’s transition from an emergency-response phase toward long-term reconstruction and economic development after more than 14 years of war.Al-Shaibani thanked Germany for its role in supporting thelifting of European sanctionson Syria, while acknowledging that discussions continue on issues including banking services, financial transfers, transport and passenger movement.He said Syria’s geographical location makes it a secure regional logistics hub linking East and West through land and air transport corridors, adding that restoring this role would benefit both European and global economic stability.Al-Shaibani invited German companies and private investors to explore opportunities in Syria, participate in upcoming economic events, including theDamascusInternational Fair, and support the activation of the joint Syrian-German Business Council.He also thanked the German government and people for hosting Syrians during the country’s years of conflict.