A Russian military delegation visits an orphanage in Latakia

Latakia, (ST) – On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, a Russian delegation headed by Gennady Zhidko, Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation and Commander of the Russian forces working in Syria, visited the orphanage of the Masaa’i Charitable Association in Latakia to present congratulations and gifts to children.

In his speech during the event, Zhidko indicated that the purpose of the visit was to “congratulate children on the occasion of the New Year, convey the greetings of Russian children, and convey their wishes for a childhood filled with happiness, joy, health and success in the New Year.”

 In turn, the Governor of Latakia, Engineer Amer Ismail Hilal, expressed his great thanks and appreciation to the Russian side for providing continuous support to the Syrian people. He praised Russian initiative, which was represented by visiting the orphanage and sharing the joy of the holidays with children.

For his part, Major General Iger Smoli, Director of the Russian Coordination Center, indicated that the center’s main objective is to provide humanitarian aid, food and medical supplies to the Syrian people, as its work covers all Syrian governorates, with attention to reconstruction and improvement of the Syrian economy as a priority. He stressed the ability of both sides to provide appropriate conditions for restoring stability and establishing peace along the Syrian territories.

Fawaz Dali, Head of the Al-Masa’i Charitable Society, said in a statement to SANA that, the event included a singing performance by the children of the orphanage, followed by the distribution of gifts to 40 boys and girls.

The means of enhancing cooperation with the Russian delegation to serve the interests of the children were also discussed.

The two children, Muhammad Eid, 9 years old, and Muhammad Tosu, 13 years old, expressed their thanks for the gifts presented to them on behalf of the children of Russia. They wished that the new year would bring goodness, happiness and security to Syrians and the peoples of the world.

Raghda Sawas