Regional Backing in Lisbon
Syria's move to rejoin the International Olive Council drew support from several Arab states during a council meeting that concluded on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in Lisbon. The Ministry of Agriculture took part in the session by video link, represented by the director of its Olive Office, Muhammad Qawas.
Delegations from Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan voiced their backing for the step, the ministry said on 2 July 2026, describing it as a return to Syria's place within the international framework for cooperation on olive cultivation.
Path to Full Membership
The council's executive director, Jaime Leo, said Syria is continuing to complete the legal procedures required for its return, with the file set to be examined further at the body's next meeting in Morocco. No date was given for that session.
Access to Council Programs
Qawas said finalizing the return would open access to the council's technical cooperation, training, and grant programs, and allow Syrian specialists to take part in its expert committees and activities. He framed the move as a way to develop the country's olive sector.
The International Olive Council is an intergovernmental body that works on olives, olive oil, and table olives, promoting research, technology transfer, training, and international standards among its member states.
Italian Support for Testing Lab
The step follows an Italian offer, made in March 2026, to help restart a Syrian olive-oil analysis laboratory that had been out of service for years. The offer came during a visit by the Italian ambassador to the laboratories directorate in Idlib, which includes the accredited facility for classifying olive-oil quality.
The proposed support covers modern testing equipment, staff training, and the expertise needed to issue internationally recognized analysis certificates, measures aimed at improving the quality of Syrian olive oil and widening its access to export markets.
Weight of the Olive Sector
Olive trees account for a large share of Syria's fruit-bearing trees, making gains in output quality significant for the wider agricultural economy and for farmers. Reintegration into the council is presented as one route to strengthening the sector's international standing.