Ministers of Tourism and Economy Discuss with Russian Delegation Cooperation Relations

Damascus, (ST) – Minister of Tourism Bishr Yazigi discussed with the international delegation of Russian industrialists and businessmen means of developing relations and expanding the horizons of cooperation in the sector of tourism and investments.

During the meeting, the Minister of Tourism confirmed the importance of the visit by the Russian delegation, calling on the delegation to visit the Damascus International Fair, which will be opened today with the participation of many companies and businessmen and to visit the pavilion of the Ministry of Tourism to brief on the investment projects.

“We need quick steps to activate cooperation with tourism institutions and start directly in the electronic promotion to clarify the true image of Syria,” Yazigi said, adding that many facilities will be given to investors, especially to Russian friends including hotels.

For his part, the head of the Russian delegation, Alexander Viktorovitch Ionov, said that he is ready to deepen and strengthen cooperation with the ministry and to provide what is necessary to push the tourism sector in Syria, pointing out that the delegation “carries directives from President Vladimir Putin personally to work to develop the level of tourism relations and start directly taking steps on land “and expressed a great desire to invest in Tartous due to its fertile land and distinctive beach.

Mr. Ionov pointed out the importance of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two sides, documenting the work with the ministry in the appropriate manner and working to initiate publicity promotion among the governors and mayors of the Russian Federation and the Russian people to encourage them to come to Syria and visit their tourist areas and see what is happening closely.

Members of the delegation gave a presentation on the overall work that can be done with the ministry, pointing to their great desire to create bridges of action and communication because they have great love for Syria and its people.

For his part, the Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Dr. Mohammed Samer Al-Khalil, said during a meeting with the international delegation of Russian industrialists and businessmen, the importance of enhancing and developing prospects for Syrian-Russian economic cooperation and relations.

During the meeting, Mr. Khalil pointed out that the establishment of the Damascus International Fair at its 59th session represents “real evidence of Syria’s economic recovery and the Syrians’ insistence on life and steadfastness.”

The Minister pointed out that the indicators of the economy in general and after seven years of war are considered “good” with the continuation of the rotation of the production wheel in many sectors that have recovered vitality.

For his part, the head of the Russian delegation Alexander Ionov on the importance of the historical relationship between Russia and Syria, announcing the readiness of the business sector in his country to contribute to investment in the Syrian economy and to participate effectively in addition to increasing the volume of trade exchange.

The Russian delegation, which is currently visiting Syria, “represents the International Conference of Industrialists and Businessmen, the largest economic gathering in the Russian Federation,” he said, expressing his desire to “find a new formula for bilateral economic cooperation by creating a trade representation of the Federation in Syria under the name of the Syrian-Russian Trade House.”

Sh. Kh.