Syrian-Belarusian Economic Cooperation Committee: A Road Map for Future Projects

MINSK, (ST) – The Joint Syrian-Belarusian Economic Cooperation Committee recently concluded its sixth sessions held in Minsk. The final protocol of the session was signed by Industry Minister Kamal Eddin Tomah on the Syrian side and Economy Minister Vladimir Zinowski on the Belarusian side.

The Belarusian minister described the final protocol as a road map for the implementation and of future projects that have been identified in the protocol to develop economic relations between Syria and Belarus.

He pointed out that the two countries have the wish to develop the various aspects of trade cooperation including machinery, pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs, highly appreciating the work of the Joint Intergovernmental committee, which is an important link in the bilateral relations of the two countries and contribute to the removal of obstacles.

Mr. Zinowski confirmed his country’s readiness to develop economic cooperation with Syria in all fields to meet the common interest of both sides.

For his part, Mr. Tomah said that this success reflects the genuine depth of friendship between Syria and Belarus, noting the sincere flexibility shown by the Belarusian side since the first moments of the meeting until the signing of the protocol. The most important thing, he added, is the formation of a joint committee to follow up the implementation of the protocol.

“The Belarusian side is trying to create a positive and good atmosphere to contribute to investments and joint ventures, pointing out that the leadership and the government in Syria are keen to build bridges with Belarus through increasing the volume of trade exchange and the establishment of investment projects in Syria,” Mr. Tomah stressed.

He expressed his appreciation for the positions of the Government of Belarus in support of the international law and its refusal to intervene in the internal affairs of independent states, and supporting the just causes of peoples, especially the Syrian people.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Rossi during a meeting with the Syrian official delegation, underlined the importance of close ties between Syria and Belarus in all areas and reiterated his country’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s affairs.

“Syria is a friend country and one of the most important partners in the Middle East and we are ready to give everything we can in order to enhance bilateral cooperation to serve the interests of the two friendly peoples.” Mr. Rossi pointed out.

He also stressed the importance of working to remove all obstacles that stand in the way of progress to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Syria and Belarus.

For his part, Mr. Tomah stressed the importance of upgrading relations between the two countries in economic areas to the level of political relations, pointing out that establishing some productive projects will be discussed.

“The investment climate in Syria is very appropriate to friendly countries such as Belarus, Russia, China and Iran, noting the importance of opening a line of credit through a Syrian bank guarantee to supply machinery and open Belarusian projects in Syria,” Mr. Tomah confirmed.

For her part, Head of Planning and International Cooperation Commission, Rima al –Qadri, said we will exert more efforts to enhance cooperation between our two peoples and our two countries.

Mrs. al –Qadri confirmed that Syria, despite the crisis experienced by, is still able to launch the reconstruction process in accordance with a plan that friends, including Belarus, have a large role in this process.

“We do not look at the credit facilities of the Belarusian side to be a burden, but this funding will be positively reflected on Syria as well as on the Belarusian companies together because it will be used to finance projects and Belarusian imports to Syria and will be guaranteed by the Central Bank of Syria that will be capable of financial coverage,” Mrs. al –Qadri stated.

“Syria welcomes her friends’ support to join the Eurasian Economic Union and the Free Trade Area between Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Armenia,” Mrs. al –Qadri added.

The Syrian delegation held talks with the Belarusian Development Bank as Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bank’s Vladimir Dragon underlined the bank’s readiness to provide all forms of financial coverage of the Belarusian supplies to Syria and setting up development projects, pointing out the importance of developing detailed plans for cooperation in this area.

Sharif al -Khatib