SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) highlighted the Gaza ceasefire agreement, based on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, as an essential step towards achieving a lasting end to hostilities in the region.

In a statement published by BERNAMA, the foreign ministers emphasized that this development is a crucial step towards ending further suffering, loss of life, and forced displacement, while stressing the need to deliver aid to Gaza.

The statement welcomed the agreement as a step towards guaranteeing the release of all hostages and detainees, enabling the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.

They called upon the international community to seize this momentum and resume the peace process based on a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement came into force last Friday after two years of Israeli destructive war, during which more than 67,000 Palestinians were killed and approximately 170,000 others, mostly women and children, were injured.

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) branch in Daraa discussed on Tuesday with delegations from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid ways to enhance services provided to residents of temporary shelters. The meeting came within the framework of efforts to strengthen humanitarian cooperation and improve response mechanisms for families arriving from Sweida Province.

Head of the Daraa branch Ahmad al-Masalmeh said during the meeting that SARC teams continue to deliver a range of humanitarian services, including relief materials, food and hygiene kits, first aid, community health programs, mine-risk education, physiotherapy, and assistance for persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of additional support to meet essential needs and ease the suffering of families until they can return to their homes in dignity.

The visiting delegations also toured the Rural Revival Center in Ghasm, eastern Daraa countryside, which hosts around 100 displaced families from Sweida, and met with the SARC Disaster Management Unit near Namir Bridge to review coordination and field response activities.

The Daraa branch of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent continues to implement a comprehensive plan to provide essential services to those arriving from Sweida and Daraa Provinces as part of life-saving humanitarian efforts.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world’s largest humanitarian network, supporting national societies in more than 191 countries through over 16 million volunteers working for the good of humanity.

Governor of the Central Bank of Syria (CBS), Abdulkader al-Husrieh, stated on Wednesday that new banknotes will feature raised printing to meet the needs of visually impaired people.

In a Facebook post, al-Husrieh said: “In a long-awaited humanitarian step, we have decided to include a raised printing feature in the new Syrian banknotes, allowing visually impaired people to easily and independently distinguish currency denominations.”

The bank’s governor explained that he had contacted Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, who informed him of requests from people with visual impairments to include Braille on the new currency. He confirmed that this request was legitimate and expressed a genuine need that could not be ignored.

A week ago, al-Husrieh announced that CBS will introduce a new series of banknotes in six denominations, featuring no images or symbols, as part of efforts to modernize the national currency and improve transparency.

Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra visited a military recruitment center in Damascus Province on Tuesday to review the volunteer intake process, the Ministry of Defense reported.

According to a statement on the ministry’s Telegram channel, Abu Qasra inspected the center’s workflow and emphasized that opening recruitment for volunteers represents a crucial step toward building a national army dedicated to defending the country and its sovereignty.

The Defense Ministry has recently opened recruitment centers in several provinces, which have seen an increasing turnout of young people willing to join the armed forces.

Damascus International Airport saw a significant increase in air traffic activity during September, with 15 airlines resuming operations to and from the airport, aviation officials reported.
According to the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority’s recent report, cargo throughput in September reached 82,986 tons in exports and 34,039 tons in imports. This growing volume reflects ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Syria’s aviation sector and enhance its connectivity with global markets, according to the Authority.

Currently, 15 airlines are operating at the airport, including local Syrian carriers and international airlines from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Romania.

This diverse range of airlines reflects Syria’s efforts to rebuild its air transport sector and strengthen international connectivity. These carriers play a pivotal role in bolstering both commercial and humanitarian operations, enhancing Syria’s position within the broader regional and global air network.

By partnering with international carriers, Syria aims to solidify its standing in global aviation, providing both passenger services and vital logistical support for the region.

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation on Wednesday as part of efforts to reorganize bilateral relations and explore prospects for political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to the Presidential Media Directorate, President Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit to discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest and ways to enhance cooperation in service of both countries’ shared interests.

President Al-Sharaa will also meet with members of the Syrian community in Russia.

President al-Sharaa received a phone call from his Russian counterpart last February, during which President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and stability.

He also expressed Russia’s willingness to reconsider agreements previously signed with the deposed regime and emphasized the need to lift economic sanctions imposed on Syria.

Mazen

The Global Health Summit (WHS) was launched on Tuesday in the German capital, Berlin, with Syria’s participation alongside international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

Syria’s Ministry of Health took part in a session titled “Equity in Access to Medical Interventions in Emergency Areas,” jointly organized by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and WHO’s Interim Medical Measures Network (i-MCM-Net).

The session discussed ways to ensure fair access to vaccines, treatments, and medical supplies in crisis zones, as well as mechanisms to strengthen preparedness for epidemics and health emergencies.

In a statement to SANA’s correspondent, Ala Abdin, Director of the Minister of Health’s Office, said the session highlighted the challenges facing health systems in emergency-affected countries.

He added that the ministry has incorporated clear strategies to address those challenges and emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation with Syria to build a health system capable of responding to emergencies in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

Mazen

A new Civil Service Center was opened on Tuesday in Jasem city of Daraa countryside.

The center is equipped with an electronic queuing system aimed at improving services provided to citizens and easing the burden of certifying documents.

Center Director Wasim Muhaysin told SANA that the center has begun operations, offering services to citizens to reduce financial strain and save time and efforts previously spent traveling to the provincial center to obtain documents.

Israeli forces set up a checkpoint at the entrance to the village of Ovania in the Quneitra countryside, a SANA reporter confirmed.

After establishing the checkpoint, Israeli forces halted passing vehicles and conducted searches. The checkpoint was dismantled about an hour later, with the forces returning to the Syrian occupied lands.

Israeli forces have been carrying out frequent incursions into Syrian territory, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, international law, and UN resolutions. Syria continues to condemn these actions and urges the international community to take a stronger stance to prevent further violations.

Syria and Lebanon are close to reaching a judicial agreement concerning Syrian detainees in Lebanon, fugitives from Syrian justice, and Lebanese nationals in Syria, officials from both countries announced on Tuesday.

At a joint press conference in Beirut with Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar and Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais stated that the two countries’ positions were “closely aligned,” and the discussions were proceeding within the correct legal framework.

Al-Wais clarified that the talks focused on judicial cooperation related to Syrian detainees in Lebanon, fugitives from Syrian justice, and Lebanese nationals in Syria. Special teams have been formed to investigate and pursue justice, he added.

Lebanese Justice Minister Nassar confirmed that “significant progress” has been made in drafting the legal text of the agreement. However, he emphasized that the agreement would not cover individuals involved in serious crimes such as murder or rape, whether committed against civilians or Lebanese military personnel.

Nassar said he had “constructive and positive” talks with the Syrian officials over the issues, underscoring both countries’ commitment to respecting the legal frameworks of the agreement, ensuring the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria, and their shared desire for cooperation.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri reaffirmed Lebanon’s political will to resolve the issue of detained Syrians in Lebanon. He added that minister al-Wais would visit Roumieh Prison today, as part of Syria’s right to meet its detained or convicted citizens abroad.

Mitri also revealed that around 2,300 Syrians are currently detained or serving sentences in Lebanon. Future meetings on this issue will take place alternately between Beirut and Damascus.

He further emphasized that Lebanese-Syrian relations extend beyond the judicial cooperation agreement on detainees, with ongoing discussions on border issues, refugees, and other matters.

A delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Justice, led by Minister al-Wais, arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to explore ways to support joint efforts in alleviating the plight of Syrian detainees in Lebanon and ensuring justice to protect their dignity and rights.

The Syrian national football team triumphed once again over Myanmar, securing a 3-0 victory in their fourth match of the Asian Cup qualifiers.

With this win, Syria advanced to the top of Group E with 12 points, officially qualifying for the Asian Cup finals

The goals came from standout striker Pablo Sabbagh, who scored twice, and Mohammad Al-Salkhadi, who added a third.

Syrian novelist Abdullah Nafakh held a signing event for his latest short story collection, (Longing to Paradise), on Tuesday at the Al-Mazzeh Cultural Center in Damascus.

The collection offers a poignant exploration of the harsh economic, social, and living conditions faced by Syrians under the former regime. Through a mix of sarcastic, satirical, and serious tones, Nafakh delves into the complex struggles of everyday life in Syria, with some stories evoking the longing for salvation and relief, particularly in the final years before the country’s liberation.

A teacher of Arabic language and an expert in scientific research, linguistic investigation, and text analysis, Nafakh’s latest work marks his fourth literary achievement, following two short story collections and a novel.

Qatar expressed hope that the signing of the Gaza ceasefire agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, will be followed by steps to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

Speaking to Fox News on Monday night, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari described the deal as a “first step in a series of efforts to reestablish peace and stability in the region.”

Acknowledging the long-term consequences of the Israeli war on Gaza, he cautioned that its effects would be felt for decades and that the “following steps will be very difficult.”

He clarified that while the ceasefire is a critical milestone, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. “Many of the discussions for the second phase have been postponed to ensure the successful implementation of the first,” he added.

He also noted that “difficult negotiations are already underway regarding how to secure and manage the situation in Gaza to prevent a relapse into violence.” Talks have begun in Sharm El-Sheikh; teams are working around the clock to ensure a seamless transition between the first and second phases,” Al-Ansari added.”

China Agricultural University (CAU) has unveiled a cutting-edge AI model designed to enhance agricultural efficiency, laying the groundwork for the future of smart farming.

At the 2025 World Agrifood Innovation Conference (WAFI 2025) in Beijing, Wang Yaojun, lead researcher at CAU, highlighted a key achievement of the new “Shennong Large Model 3.0.” According to Wang, the model not only significantly reduces computational demands but also improves performance by 5% over its predecessor.

The team also introduced an agent platform that supports a lightweight, deployable, and collaborative AI ecosystem. This platform spans the entire agricultural process, providing innovative solutions for breeding, planting, and farming.

Pilot programs have already been launched in regions around Beijing, as well as in Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang Province in northern and northeastern China. These programs offer localized services, including plant protection and tailored guidance for farmers throughout the cultivation process.

WAFI 2025, held from October 12 to 14, has brought together 780 experts from around the world, making it a leading platform for advancing global agrifood innovation.

The Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday that the Anti-Narcotics Department in Aleppo arrested five individuals involved in drug trafficking in two separate operations, following close monitoring.

The ministry stated in a statement on its Telegram channel that the Anti-Narcotics Department seized one kilogram of H-Boz and 158,000 Captagon pills in the first operation, in addition to equipment intended for drug use and distribution.

The second operation resulted in the seizure of 267,000 Captagon pills and 20 kilograms of hashish. The ministry explained that the seized items were confiscated, and the individuals involved were referred to the judiciary for necessary legal action.

The ministry affirmed that this operation comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to combat drugs and protect society from their destructive effects

The Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Damascus University, in collaboration with Al-Andalus University for Medical Sciences, is hosting the Fourth International Conference on Biomedical Engineering in Syria.

The two-day conference will cover a variety of topics, including innovative technical solutions to healthcare challenges, updates on global technological advancements, and the promotion of scientific research as a key pillar of creativity, excellence, and community development.

During the conference, medical companies will host an exhibition showcasing their equipment and the latest technologies. Workshops and training sessions will also be held, introducing the latest medical equipment in Syria.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan Al-Halabi discussed with Mashhour Refai, Jordanian Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, ways to enhance cooperation in scientific research and technological development and support joint scientific initiatives between the two sides.

During his first visit to Jordan, the Minister toured Yarmouk University and the University of Science and Technology, where he discussed the development of cooperation and future initiatives with Jordanian officials.

The officials also discussed strengthening cooperation in higher education and scientific research and deepening academic relations between the two brotherly countries.

The Syrian national football team will face Myanmar on Matchday 4 of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, as they aim to secure early qualification for the continental tournament.

José Lana, the head coach of the Syrian national team, stated, “The match will be tough and quite different from the previous encounter,” but emphasized that the focus would be on “what we can control,” as external factors, like the weather, are beyond our influence.

Lana praised his team’s collective performance in their previous win over Myanmar during the third round of qualifiers, emphasizing the players’ commitment and teamwork. He also acknowledged the quality of Myanmar’s squad, noting their talented roster and the professionalism of their coaching staff.

Syria currently tops its qualifying group with 9 points, followed by Myanmar with 6. Pakistan and Afghanistan trail behind, each with just 1 point.

Syrian officials participated in Cairo Water Week, which addresses regional and international water challenges arising from climate change and resource scarcity. The event saw broad participation from experts and decision-makers across various countries.

During the conference, Osama Abu Zaid, Assistant Minister of Energy for Water Resources Affairs, took part in a special session organized by the Islamic Network on Water Resources Development. The session focused on the interconnection between the water, energy, and food sectors. Abu Zaid called for adopting an integrated approach to managing these sectors in a way that enhances water and food security and ensures the sustainability of resources.
He emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation and share successful experiences and expertise. “Addressing shared challenges requires collective solutions and comprehensive strategies that guarantee the optimal use of natural resources,” he added.

Syria’s participation in the conference reflects the Ministry of Energy’s commitment to supporting regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development.

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has called for the large-scale entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, asserting that the time has come for practical steps to address the ongoing crisis.

In a post shared on the platform X, Lazzarini stated: “Finally, a day of positive emotions and a reunion for Israeli and Palestinian families,” has come giving some hope after more than two years of total darkness.

He added that time now is for building a future of peace and justice, an “rebuilding lives and dreams through education and to allow large-scale humanitarian aid to enter, including through UNRWA,” Lazzarini added.

On Monday, an “International Peace Summit” was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, attended by leaders and representatives from over 31 countries and international and regional organizations. At the summit, leaders from the United States, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt signed a comprehensive ceasefire agreement for Gaza.