Damascus, July 28 (SANA)Economy and Industry MinisterNidal Al-ShaarmetEgyptian Chargé d’AffairesMohamed el-Feki in Damascus to discuss ways to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, expand investment and deepen partnerships between the two countries, the ministry said.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry said the talks focused on enhancing cooperation in the industrial and economic sectors, strengthening links between the Syrian and Egyptian private sectors, and encouraging investment and bilateral trade.

The two sides also discussed reactivating theSyrian-Egyptian Business Councilto support business partnerships and create new opportunities for cooperation between companies in both countries.

The meeting follows earlier efforts to strengthen economic relations. On June 16, Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Basil Abdul Hanan met a delegation of Egyptian business leaders and investors to discuss prospects for cooperation, including a proposal to establish an integrated industrial zone in Aleppo Governorate.

In May, the ministry announced the formation of the Syrian side of the Syrian-Egyptian Business Council as part of efforts to deepen economic ties betweenSyriaandEgypt.