SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, SANA -Damascus Governorate, in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Peace Foundation in Italy, inaugurated on Saturday the integrated training week for administrative and technical cadres working in the governorate.

The event was held at Sham Hotel in Damascus, within the framework of joint cooperation and exchange of expertise between Syria and Italy.

The course program includes sustainable goals, analysis and planning, project evaluation, archaeology, and a practical day in Jobar.

During the opening ceremony, Damascus Governor Maher Marwan said that these courses are the fruit of constructive cooperation between the Damascus Governorate, on the one hand, and the Italian government and the Italian Peace Organization, on the other.

For his part, the Italian Ambassador to Damascus, Stefano Ravanian, highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Damascus Governorate and opening new horizons in various fields, including urban development, services, culture, and others.

Simona Fernandez, President of the Peace Organization in Italy, indicated that these courses represent a step toward strengthening future relations and cooperation between the two countries, noting that the organization will provide support for the ideas and steps that will be presented during the courses.

The opening course was attended by Aisha al-Debs, Head of the Women’s Affairs Office, and Fadi Nahzat, Director of Education in the Damascus Countryside.

Reem Abdulhameed / Mazen Eyon

Amman, SANA-80 humanitarian organizations called on the international community to put an end to Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, stressing that the recent military infiltration by the Israeli occupation entity is causing severe harm to civilians and hindering recovery efforts.

In a statement issued in Amman, the international organizations said that The Israeli attacks and ground infiltration into Syrian territory constitute a clear violation of the Disengagement Agreement and a violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and these actions of Israel directly undermine humanitarian activities and efforts to recover, rebuild, and stabilize at a critical stage for the Syrian people.”

In their statement, the organizations called on all international parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and take immediate and coordinated action to halt Israeli attacks, prevent further escalation, and ensure accountability for violations.

Reem Abdulhameed / Mazen Eyon

Istanbul, SANA-Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country’s condemnation of the repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian and Lebanese territory, stressing that “Israel” is trying to prevent stability in Syria and Lebanon.”

Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying last night during a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Group Supporting Palestine in Istanbul: ” Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon clearly demonstrate that Netanyahu’s government does not want peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Erdogan noted that ‘’Israeli occupation government is trying to prevent stability in Syria and Lebanon by inciting strife, in addition to its efforts to spread conflicts to new areas by constantly inciting external forces.

The Turkish president emphasized that defending the Palestinian cause is a defense of humanity, peace, and justice, condemning the international silence regarding Israeli genocidal crimes in Gaza Strip.

khadega/Mazen Eyon

Tripoli, SANA-Syria has been granted membership in the Executive Office of the Arab Kickboxing Federation, represented by the President of the Syrian Arab Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation, Sariya al-Jazairi.

This membership came as part of the Arab Kickboxing Federation elections held Friday in Libya.

Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmad al-Sharaa, and his excellency Foreign Minister, Mr. Asaad al-Shaibani, met today US congressman Cory Mills at the People’s Palace in the capital of Damascus.

Mazen

New York, SANA- Officials will discuss major steps to restore support for Syria from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund at spring meetings next week, though sanctions remain a major obstacle to rebuilding the country, a U.N. official said on Friday.

Abdallah Dardari, assistant secretary-general for the U.N. Development Programme, told Reuters in Damascus that a roundtable on Syria hosted by the Saudi government and World Bank would take place on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the international financial bodies in Washington.

“It gives a signal to the rest of the world and to the people of Syria that you have these biggest financial institutions ready to support,” he said.

Reuters reported last week that Saudi Arabia plans to pay off around $15 million in Syrian arrears to the World Bank, paving the way for millions of dollars in possible grants for reconstruction and other economic support to Syria. Sources have since told Reuters that the Saudis made the payments.

Dardari told Reuters that pay-off would allow the World Bank to support Syria through its International Development Association which provides funds for low-income countries.

“This is a big ticket item for Syria to negotiate with the World Bank. There’s also the Special Drawing Rights at the IMF. Again, that’s a big ticket item, in addition to all the policy and technical assistance that the Bank and the Fund can provide Syria,” Dardari said.

Mazen Eyon

Homs, SANA- Citizens of Homs commemorated on Friday the anniversary of the first sit-in, 14 years ago, against crimes of the ousted regime, in the New Clock Square, renamed by the revolutionists as “Freedom Square.”

More than 90,000 citizens gathered in the square, where the crowds performed Maghrib prayer together, led by Sheikh Sahl Junaid, imam and preacher of Khalid Ibn al-Walid Mosque.

Mazen Eyon

Damascus, SANA-The Kasab border crossing in Lattakia governorate has witnessed the return of more than 11,000 Syrian citizens to their homeland from Turkey over the past period.

The General Authority of Land and Sea Ports clarified via its Telegram channel today that the crossing administration warmly welcomed the residents and provided them with all necessary facilities.

The Authority added that this is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of Syrians to their homeland.

MHD Ibrahim

Damascus, SANA- President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, received on Friday Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and an accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

Khadega/Mazen Eyon

Damascus,SANA- Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar affirmed that the visit of Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat to Syria was fruitful and reflects the fraternal ties between the two countries.

“The visit was fruitful, during which we discussed many important issues. It reflects the fraternal ties between the two countries, and will be the beginning of strong economic cooperation and partnership between us.”

The ministry’s Telegram channel quoted Minister Al-Shaar as saying : “Today, we are writing together a new chapter in history, written by our combined efforts.”

Al-Shaar’s statement came at the conclusion of Bolat’s two-day visit to Damascus last Wednesday, accompanied by a number of Turkish officials and businessmen, holding talks with several relevant parties.

Before returning with his accompanying delegation from Syria to Turkey, the minister expressed his satisfaction with the visit stressing that his country wanted to negotiate a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Syria.

Khadega/Mazen Eyon

Ankara, SANA-Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat expressed his country’s desire to negotiate a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Syria.

“Syrian government officials expressed their willingness to cooperate with Turkey in all areas, from increasing trade and joint investments, improving infrastructure and energy to transport, land and maritime routes,” Anadolu Agency quoted Bolat as telling reporters prior to his return and his delegation from Syria after a two-day visit.

Bolat reiterated Turkey’s commitment, as a state, government, and people, to supporting the new Syrian authorities, just as it has always stood with the Syrian people in their quest for freedom.

“Syria’s stability, strength, and unity mean Turkey’s stability and strength and mean the elimination of the problem of terrorism, the significant elimination of the migration problem, the ability to reach the Gulf and the Middle East via direct land routes, and increased trade between the two countries.” Bolat added.

“We expressed Turkey’s willingness to negotiate a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Syria in the new phase and our readiness for these negotiations,” said Bolat, calling on Arab and Islamic states to take decisive action to assist Syria in reconstruction.

Fedaa

Aleppo, SANA – Activities of the first Arab Construction Exhibition kicked off Thursday’s evening at Sheraton Hotel in Aleppo province, with the participation of 50 Syrian and international companies and entities specialized in the fields of construction, building, and related industries.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Aleppo Governorate and the Aleppo Engineers Syndicate, with the aim of advancing reconstruction and enhancing cooperation between local and international expertise in this field.

Activities of this event which runs from April 17 to 19, combines technological displays and an accompanying scientific conference, organized by the Syrian Engineers Syndicate with the participation of experts and engineers from all governorates.

This event marks a significant milestone in Syria’s reconstruction efforts and reinforces Aleppo’s position as a hub for economic and industrial.

Noura / Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haykal discussed Thursday, with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Damascus, Michalis Hadjikyrou, ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of communications and information technology.

The meeting, held at the ministry building, focused on further developing bilateral relations between the two countries in this sector, which would contribute to the development of Syria’s digital infrastructure.

Fedaa

Damascus, SANA-Syrian Airlines officially announced the resumption of direct flights between Syria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starting next Sunday, to both Dubai and Sharjah as an exceptional first phase.

The airline noted on its official Facebook page that four weekly flights will currently be operated between Damascus and Dubai, on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the intention of increasing them to seven flights per week soon.

Flights to Sharjah will also be operated on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, with work to increase their frequency to a daily flight, as for the Damascus-Abu Dhabi flights, they will be on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Syrian Airlines confirmed that it was doing its utmost to expand its flight network as soon as possible, once it obtains the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities to expand the number of flights, calling on travelers to contact its offices inside and outside Syria for more information.

Nisreen Othman / Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- Under the mediation of the sister State of Qatar, an official meeting was held in Doha between President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudan, in the presence and sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

The meeting addressed bilateral relations between the Syrian Arab Republic and the fraternal Republic of Iraq, within the framework of both sides’ keenness to reactivate joint Arab cooperation and to emphasize the depth of historical ties between the two brotherly peoples.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudan stressed the need to respect the sovereignty and independence of the two countries and to reject all forms of external interference, affirming that the security and stability of Syria and Iraq constitute the cornerstone of security in the region as a whole.

The meeting also touched upon the joint border security file, where it was agreed to strengthen the field and intelligence coordination between the relevant authorities in the two countries, with a view to combating common risks.

On the economic side, the two sides discussed mechanisms for activating trade relations, facilitating the movement of goods and individuals across border crossings, encouraging mutual investments, and opening new prospects for cooperation in the fields of energy, transportation and infrastructure, thus serving the strategic interests of both countries.

President al-Sharaa expressed his thanks and gratitude to the brotherly State of Qatar and to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani for their efforts in facilitating this fraternal meeting, which reflects a genuine commitment to supporting Arab dialogue and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation among Arab countries.

The Presidency of the Republic affirms that this meeting constitutes an important step towards building balanced relations based on mutual respect and shared interests, and represents a new beginning towards strengthening joint Arab action to confront current challenges and achieve security and stability for the peoples of the region.

Nisreen Othman / Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- His Excellency President Ahmad Al-Sharaa received on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, who conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah II to His Excellency, and a verbal message from His Majesty affirming his keenness to strengthen fraternal relations between the two countries, and Jordan’s support for Syria, its security and stability, and its support for the reconstruction process.

President al-Sharaa conveyed his greetings to His Majesty the King, affirming the depth of fraternal relations between the two countries and his appreciation for Jordan’s support for Syria, which it emphasized is keen to develop its relations with the Kingdom in various fields in a manner that serves the two brotherly peoples and countries.

Minister Safadi held extensive talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, following up on the outcomes of the summit meeting between His Majesty King Abdullah II and President al-Shara’ in Amman on February 26, 2025.
During the meeting, the Ministers emphasized the need to activate cooperation in all areas and adopt of practical mechanisms to upgrade cooperation to the best levels.

The meeting issued a joint statement, in which the Ministers stressed the strong and deep-rooted historical relations between Jordan and Syria, and the importance of translating the directives of the two countries’ leaders targeted for the development of their relations into institutional work, to the benefit both countries and the region.
The Ministers agreed that a higher coordinating board would be formed, comprising multiple sectors, including energy, health, industry, trade, transport, agriculture, water, information and communication technology, education and tourism, and that the Council would hold its first meetings in the coming weeks.

Safadi affirmed the Kingdom’s unequivocal support for Syria’s reconstruction process, through a Syrian-Syrian process in which all segments of the Syrian people participate, based on principles that guarantee Syria’s unity, security, stability, and sovereignty, rid it of terrorism and preserve the rights of all Syrians after years of oppression, injustice and destruction.

Minister al-Shaibani emphasized the interconnectedness of stability between the two countries, Syria’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security and its refusal to compromise its security and safety, and its commitment to strengthening cooperation in security areas, including combating the terrorist organization ISIS and terrorism in all its forms, as well as combating drug and arms smuggling.

Minister Safadi commended the Syrian government’s efforts to combat drug smuggling.
The two ministers also discussed the necessary steps to activate the outcomes of the conference on Syria and neighboring countries fighting ISIS, which the Kingdom hosted on March 9, 2025.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the steady growth in trade between the two countries.
Safadi stressed the need to halt the ongoing Israeli attacks on Syria, considering them a flagrant violation of international law, a clear breach of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel, and an escalation that pushes towards more tension and conflict in the region.

The two ministers agreed to continue coordination and enhance communication between the relevant ministries and institutions in the two countries in the coming period, to take the necessary steps to enhance cooperation.

Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, met on Thursday at the People’s Palace with Maroun Kairouz, Executive Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Fedaa

Daraa, SANA- Daraa Governor Anwar Taha al-Zoubi and Political Affairs Director Mashhour Masalma discussed the humanitarian situation in the province and ways to provide assistance to the neediest residents with the Turkish Chargé d’Affaires in Syria, Burhan Koroglu.

Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad al-Sharaa, received on Thursday Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi.

The meeting took place at people’s palace in the capital, Damascus in the presence of Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani.

Fedaa

Damascus-SANA-Energy Minister, Mohammad al-Bashir discussed with a Kuwaiti investment delegation opportunity for cooperation in the fields of energy, oil and electricity.

During the meeting held at the Ministry’s building in Damascus, the realities and challenges of the energy sector were discussed.

Fedaa