Syria, South Africa Cooperate in Reconstruction and Development of Industrial, Transport Projects

DAMASCUS,(ST)_ Industry minister in the caretaker government Kamal Eddin Tomeh discussed yesterday with South African Ambassador in Damascus Sean Benfeldt economic and industrial cooperation relations and the prospects of developing them in the service of the two countries’ economies.

Tomeh stressed Syria’s keenness to strengthen relations with South Africa and take advantage of South Africa expertise during the reconstruction and development of the industrial sector and re-boot the affected installations, as a result of acts of terrorism and sabotage.

Minister Tomeh noted the extensive damage, which affected the industrial sector and its facilities as a result of the unjust economic embargo imposed on Syria by several Arab and Western countries, which fund and support armed terrorist organizations led to exit a large part of the industrial enterprises of production circuit and the destruction,looting and theft at the hands of terrorist groups.

The minister stressed that the ministry is ready to conclude a memorandum of understanding on industrial cooperation between the two countries includes the possibility of the contribution of South Africa experiences and distinct possibilities in reconstruction projects as well as projects for the manufacture of electrical appliances and household production,hollow glass and pharmaceutical industry and Cooperation in advanced stages set up in the field of plant for the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers.

For his part, the Ambassador of South Africa, stressed his country’s keenness to strengthen and develop economic relations with Syria and to contribute to projects related to development and reconstruction in Syria, welcoming the signing of a memorandum of understanding on industrial cooperation between the two countries to frame cooperation and determine its scope in fields of art and technology, and how to provide for the production of a common reality for the benefit of the two friendly peoples.

Ministry of Transport and the South African government for the development of the transport sector

Meantime, transport minister in the caretaker government, Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim Saeed discussed with the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, ways to develop and strengthen relations of cooperation between the two friendly countries, pointing to the importance of coordination to take advantage of the experiences of the Republic of South Africa in maritime transport through creating the right climate for the arrival of delegations and experts in the two Syrian ports.

The minister pointed a preliminary agreement between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries and expressed Syria’s readiness to exert all necessary efforts to put it into practice, to cope with the increasing volumes of passenger and cargo transport and cooperation among economic actors, noting South Africa positions towards Syria and the fruitful bilateral cooperation to support all humanitarian issues in international forums.

For his part, South Africa ambassador stressed his government great interest to contribute to the reconstruction and development processes in Syria, stressing that cooperation will be maintained with sides involved in both countries in the field of air transport to reformulate the already existed air transport agreement in the service of the two countries interests.

T. Fateh