Mazloum Abdi Meets Delegation from Damascus to Follow Up on Agreement with the Syrian Government
April 13, 2025, 2:14 pm

Mazloum Abdi Meets Delegation from Damascus to Follow Up on Agreement with the Syrian Government

قائد قوات سوريا الديمقراطية مظلوم عبدي

The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, revealed the key features of the recent agreement with the Syrian government, indicating that the upcoming phase will involve practical steps aimed at integrating the "Self-Administration" institutions within state institutions and forming a unified delegation to represent the region in negotiations with Damascus.

In an interview with "The Monitor" website, Abdi explained that ongoing discussions with the Syrian government focused on reaching a form of local governance in northeastern Syria, with some Kurdish parties leaning towards a federal option. He announced preparations for a conference to bring together all Kurdish parties in order to formulate a united political stance.

Separately, Abdi confirmed that the agreement concerning the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods in Aleppo is a temporary arrangement that will be annulled upon reaching a comprehensive political agreement with Damascus. He noted that the agreement regarding the Al-Thawra Dam addressed technical and military aspects, and coordination was made with the government to maintain the current personnel to ensure continuity of operations.

He also highlighted the agreement that stipulates the SDF's withdrawal to the east, in exchange for the deployment of Syrian government forces to serve as a buffer zone between them and the "National Army factions," aiming to halt previous escalations and create a more stable environment.

Abdi considered that the agreement with President Ahmed al-Shara contributed to easing Turkey’s preconditions regarding the SDF, praising the acceptance of the idea of integrating forces into Syrian state institutions. He mentioned that the atmosphere of his meeting with al-Shara was friendly, with a respectful reception.

Abdi ruled out that Turkey was aware of the details of the agreement made in Damascus, confirming that discussions took place confidentially for three hours before signing, and that the agreement reflects a common vision resulting from those talks.

Regarding the American role, Abdi denied any direct U.S. involvement in the agreement, excluding its role as a logistical facilitator in reaching Damascus, and emphasized that Washington supports the agreement as it contributes to stability in the region.

He added that the SDF does not seek to form a parallel army but wishes to integrate into the new Syrian national army while preserving its organizational identity and combat experience gained during battles against ISIS. He also asserted that their "red lines" include rejecting the concentration of administrative power in Damascus and the necessity of having a unified army that represents all Syrians.

In response to a question about the status of Arabs within the SDF, Abdi confirmed that there is no objection from the Syrian government to their presence, noting that President al-Shara mentioned the importance of relinquishing control over predominantly Arab areas, but this is not currently a priority.

In conclusion, Abdi emphasized the need to distinguish the Alawite community, as an integral part of the Syrian fabric, from the remnants of the Assad regime, who seek to obstruct the new path. He stressed that attempts by the remnants of the ousted regime to return to power are doomed to failure, with the SDF committed to supporting the transformation process in Syria as outlined in the March 10 agreement.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.