Syria’s New Leader Meets Belarusian Foreign Minister, Announces Bilateral Cooperation
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Ahmad al-Shar’a, leader of Syria’s new administration, hosted Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov and his delegation in Damascus on Thursday to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including transport, agriculture, and reconstruction.
The visit highlights growing ties between Syria and Belarus, with both sides emphasizing the need for collaboration to aid Syria’s post-war recovery.
Donation to Revive Syria’s Transport Sector
During the meeting, Ryzhenkov presented symbolic certificates for the donation of 50 MAZ buses, a gift from the Belarusian president and people to the Syrian population. The buses, which are expected to be manufactured and delivered within the next three months, are intended to bolster Syria’s struggling transport sector.
“This donation is a practical step toward improving public transport in Syria and reflects the strong friendship between our nations,” Ryzhenkov said.
Broad Cooperation Discussed
The talks focused on leveraging Belarusian expertise in industry and agriculture to support Syria’s recovery. Al-Shar’a expressed appreciation for Belarus’ advanced capabilities in these sectors and reiterated Syria’s desire to deepen cooperation with Minsk.
“Our shared history and strong ties with Belarus provide a solid foundation for building a brighter future. We look forward to benefiting from Belarusian technology and expertise,” al-Shar’a stated.
He also detailed Syria’s plans for comprehensive reforms in the transport sector, where Belarusian equipment and technology will play a significant role.
Plans for Joint Projects
The discussions also included proposals to establish assembly lines for Belarusian buses and agricultural machinery within Syria. Such initiatives would aim to boost local production capabilities, create jobs, and further strengthen bilateral economic ties.
“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership, contributing to Syria’s recovery and development,” al-Shar’a said.
Supporting Reconstruction Efforts
As Syria continues its post-war reconstruction, collaborations with international partners like Belarus are viewed as critical to revitalizing essential infrastructure and services. The donation of buses and proposed joint projects represent tangible progress in addressing Syria’s immediate and long-term needs.