A military delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic participated in a conference in Bahrain led by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday, alongside representatives from 10 Middle Eastern countries. The delegation was headed by Colonel Ahmad Saeed Issa, director of the Department of International Cooperation within Syria's Ministry of Defense, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Strategic Military Partners Dialogue
The conference, titled “Strategic Military Partners Dialogue,” brought together military officials from Syria, the United States, and Arab nations including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Discussions focused on regional security and opportunities for enhancing defense collaboration.
A CENTCOM statement confirmed that participants reaffirmed a strong commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments.
First-Time Participation for Syria and Lebanon
The event marked the first time military leaders from both Syria and Lebanon took part in a CENTCOM-led event. CENTCOM chief General Brad Cooper remarked: “We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners ... the discussions underscored our shared commitment to regional security and stability.”
This participation follows a series of milestones for Syria's reintegration into regional and international security frameworks since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024.
Recent Military Engagements
In May, the Syrian Arab Army took part in the Efes 2026 land, naval, and air forces drills in Turkiye, alongside 50 countries from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This was the first time Syrian forces participated in military exercises alongside NATO members since the regime change.
In November, Syria became the 90th member of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, a multinational force established in 2014 that includes the US, UK, and France. These steps signal a gradual normalization of Syria's defense relations with Western and regional partners.
