Русский
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, has proposed to the new Syrian authorities that the Russia-Syrian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation should now be reactivated. He was speaking as part of a Russian delegation with Syrian officials in Damascus.
Novak stated that “We propose to resume the work of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, which has proven itself to be a good tool for expanding our relations, primarily in the economic area. We are also discussing practical possibilities for providing assistance to Syria together with our partners in the region, with Qatar in particular, in terms of humanitarian supplies and the restoration of the energy sector. We confirm our readiness to launch a number of projects aimed at providing Syria with food, fuel, and pharmaceutical products both on a commercial basis and as part of humanitarian aid.”
Syria underwent a change of government after what was essentially a civil war ousted long-term Russia ally Bashar al-Assad, who is now in exile in Moscow, a situation that has irritated the new Syrian leader, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, who wants to try him for crimes against the Syrian people.
Relations between Russia and Syria are complicated, with Russia also wanting to keep its Syrian military bases at the Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus Port. However, Russia has been working hard to maintain diplomatic relations, while al-Sharaa has held conversations with Russian President Putin.
Signs that this new détente is paying off are that the contract to print the new Syrian banknotes was recently awarded to a Russian company.
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