South Africa to Strengthen Economic Ties with Syria

DAMASCUS, (ST) – The Industry Minister Kamaluddin Tomeh recently discussed with Ambassador of South African in Damascus, Sean Benfeldt, relations of economic cooperation and the prospects for industrial development.

Mr.Tomeh stressed Syria’s keenness to strengthen relations with South Africa and take advantage of the capabilities and expertise available in South Africa during the reconstruction phase, the development of the industrial sector and operating the affected installations.

The minister noted to the extensive damage, which affected the industrial sector and its facilities as a result of the unjust economic embargo imposed on Syria by many Arab and Western countries, which led to exit a large part of the industrial enterprises of the production process.

He said that his ministry is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding on industrial cooperation between the two countries including the possibility of South Africa’s contribution to  provide their experiences and possibilities in some of the projects related to reconstruction projects as well as projects for the manufacture of electrical appliances and household production of hollow glass, some of the pharmaceutical industry and cooperation in advanced stages to set up a plant for the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers.

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

He stressed that his country can provide Syria’s developmental needs of all African countries through its membership in the Organization of African Development, affirming that he will work to communicate with the concerned parties to study the areas of cooperation and his country’s contribution to the process of development and reconstruction in Syria.

Sharif al -Khatib