Chinese aid to the communications sector in Syria

Damascus (ST) – The Minister of Communication and Technology Iyad Al-Khatib and the Chinese Ambassador to Damascus Shi Hongwei signed a certificate of delivery and receipt of Chinese aid, including equipment for the communication sector.

Minister Al-Khatib said after the signing ceremony that took place in the ministry building that the supply of equipment had begun for the benefit of the Syrian Telecommunications Company, through which it would serve the 4 governorates most affected by terrorism, which are Damascus countryside, Aleppo, Hama, and Deir ez-Zor.

He indicated that the first batch of the Chinese grant has arrived, which is 100,000 voice-supported web portals, which will be installed in 26 phone centres, and will start with a communication centre in Babella in the Damascus countryside.

“The second batch aims to expand the Internet network segments and it is under preparation until the end of this year”, he added.

In turn, Ambassador Hongwei reiterated his country’s keenness to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with Syria in various fields, especially after the recent visit of President Bashar al-Assad to China.

He stressed his country’s readiness to provide support to Syria in the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase of areas affected by the earthquake.

Najla Khoury