SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

A one-day Syrian-French Forum convened in Damascus to explore the investment situation in the war-battered country and how French expertise could support developing Syria’s economy through partnerships with French companies and investors.

The forum, organized by the Syrian Investment Authority on Wednesday, witnessed a wide range participation of Syrian ministers alongside delegates of 40 French companies specialized in transportation, aviation, infrastructure, water, education, and digitization, organizers stated.

This event comes as Syria is taking steps to revitalize its war-battered economy through taking steps to integrate into the international organizations, particularly in the financial sector which has been under Western sanctions for 14 years.

Talal Al-Hilali, Director-General of the Syrian Investment Authority, told SANA those discussions at the forum focused on investment regulations in Syria. He praised the French investment in Syria as a “genuine support and strong backing for the benefit of the Syrian people.”

Syrian ministers participating in the forum stated that they discussed joint investment projects with French companies in the fields of communications and information infrastructure, rehabilitation of the transport sector and development of tourism.

Member of the Franco-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Naaman Adamo, stressed the need to work on improving the investment situation in Syria, which would have a positive impact on the living conditions of all Syrians. He highlighted the importance of French expertise in supporting investment projects and aiding Syria’s reconstruction.

The Damascus Governorate started a comprehensive rehabilitation of the city’s northern entrance to improve its visual identity and facilitate traffic flow to the capital.

The project includes the removal of the old mural at the city’s entrance, renovation of sidewalks and curbs, and road marking to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety, with an advanced lighting system to improve security.

These steps are part of  the Damascus Governorate’s broader initiative to develop public facilities and vital city locations, with the goal of reviving the city’s cultural and aesthetic character, improving infrastructure, and enhancing public services.

Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh announced on Thursday that taxes on industrialists will be cut to 10 percent under the new tax system, and damaged facilities will be exempt until they are rehabilitated.

During a meeting with the General Assembly of Damascus Chamber of Industry and its Countryside, Barnieh said that the government is formulating economic policies in partnership and dialogue with the Chambers of Industry and Commerce, namely in preparing the new tax system.

Barnieh, also stated that the new Tax system will give “full exemption” for damaged or destroyed industrial facilities until they are rehabilitated.

These steps are aimed at supporting the resumption of production in the affected areas, Barnieh explained.

Moreover, the minister pointed out that the consumer spending tax will be abolished starting in 2026 and replaced by a sales tax.

He explained that the goal of these measures is to develop the national economy and increase exports, which have declined by 90 percent since 2010.

The Higher Committee for the Syrian People’s Assembly Elections issued on Thursday the executive instructions for the electoral process and specified the locations of polling centers for the designated electoral districts nationwide.

The committee stated in a statement on its Telegram channel that a candidates have the right to withdraw their candidacy at any time, provided they submit an official request to the specialized sub-election committee in their district.

It also published election rules and measures to be followed during the voting process which is scheduled on October 5. This is the first parliamentary elections in Syria after deposing the former regime on December 8.2024.

The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management held discussions on Thursday with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), on strengthening cooperation in mine clearance, disaster management, and training for emergency response teams.

Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh highlighted during a meeting held in Damascus with the ECHO’s Director-General, Maciej Popowski, the need for continued cooperation in advancing sustainable development projects aimed at enhancing stability and addressing the pressing needs of local communities.

Al-Saleh noted the vital EU role in humanitarian support for the Syrian people in recent years, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges stemming from natural disasters and the repercussions of war.

Popowski reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to expanding humanitarian cooperation with Syria and its readiness to offer technical and logistical assistance in emergency response efforts, develop the capabilities of civil defense teams, and carry out joint programs.

The meeting reflects shared commitment between Syria and the EU to improving the resilience and capacity of emergency services in Syria, fostering stability in affected areas by war and natural disasters.

Education Minister Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko on Wednesday inaugurated Daraya’s Sixth Basic Education School, reopening its doors to 700 students after 13 years of closure.

The fully renovated school will operate in two shifts to accommodate students. It is part of Syria’s efforts to rehabilitate the war-affected schools.

Speaking at the ceremony, Turko said Syria urgently needs to rehabilitate about 8,000 schools nationwide. He noted that 660 schools have already been restored, 719 are under renovation, and on average, five schools reopen daily.

The reopening is part of the ministry’s broader efforts, in cooperation with the local community and government, to create a suitable learning environment. The “Sunrise” Foundation also contributed this month by restoring four additional schools and an educational complex in Daraya.

Head of Internal Security in Homs Governorate, Brigadier General Marhaf Al-Naasan, condemned the crime that occurred in Anaz village in Wadi al-Nasara, Homs, which claimed the lives of three young men.

Brigadier General Al-Naasan stated: “This evening, Anaz village in Wadi al-Nasara witnessed a shooting incident carried out by unidentified individuals, resulting in the death of three young men.”

Al-Naasan added: “We strongly condemn this heinous crime and firmly reject all forms of violence that threaten the security and stability of society. We point out that the aim of this criminal act is to destabilize security, spread fear in the region, and attempt to influence the parliamentary election process.”

He explained that the relevant authorities immediately began taking necessary measures to cordon off the area, follow up on the incident, and work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

MHD Ibrahim

An official delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, headed by Chief of the General Staff Major General Ali Al-Naasan, has arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow.

According to the Ministry of Defense’s Telegram channel, the delegation was received by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov.

This visit is part of efforts to strengthen coordination between the two countries’ defense ministries.

MHD Ibrahim

The Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) inaugurated Wednesday a representative office in Damascus, Wednesday, aiming to continue its humanitarian operations in Syria with greater efficiency and sustainability.

In his speech during the ceremony, IHH Secretary-General Ahmet Koçan emphasized the importance of opening the Damascus office to support aid efforts and enhance the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian work. He noted that the new office would strengthen ties with the Syrian people and elevate relief operations to more advanced levels.

Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi told SANA that Turkey was among the first countries to provide healthcare, charitable and relief services, and support for small- and medium-sized projects, as well as the training and rehabilitation programs needed by the Syrian people.

Damascus countryside Governor Amer Sheikh highlighted the significant role IHH has played in assisting the Syrian people throughout the years of the revolution, including providing healthcare services, educational support, and contributing to humanitarian diplomacy.

He noted that the opening of the Damascus office reflects the foundation’s continued commitment to rebuilding a new Syria, driven by the determination of its people and supported by donors, humanitarian organizations, and close oversight from the Syrian government.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, Ambassador Burhan Koroglu, stated that the foundation’s work had previously focused on northern Syria and within Turkey to assist Syrian refugees. Today, IHH and its affiliated organizations aim to expand their operations across all of Syria.

He described the opening of the Damascus office as a crucial step that enables the foundation to support Syrians in reconstruction efforts, provide aid, and overcome challenges amid the extensive damage Syria has suffered.

Saad Baroud, Director of International Organizations and Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, considered the opening of the IHH office a further step toward organizing charitable and humanitarian work.

He noted that IHH is among the oldest organizations working with Syrians and has made significant contributions to humanitarian diplomacy.

It is worth noting that the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation was established in 1992 and institutionalized in 1995. Its headquarters are currently located in Istanbul, Turkey. The foundation aims to reach victims of wars, natural disasters, and refugees forced to flee their homes, providing them with material and financial aid and establishing charitable landmarks in their communities.

MHD Ibrahim

Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh met, Wednesday, with Hilde Haraldstad, Chargé d’Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy in Damascus, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in the fields of mine clearance and sustainable development, in support of local community recovery.

During the meeting, Minister al-Saleh stressed the importance of moving from short-term humanitarian aid to long-term development projects, underlining the need for integrated international efforts to assist in reconstruction and to reinforce stability in affected communities.

The two sides agreed to continue technical coordination to identify priority areas for intervention and to exchange expertise in disaster management and rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management is working on developing national programs in coordination with relevant authorities, aimed at enhancing community resilience and achieving sustainable development, in line with government efforts to support the safe and dignified return of Syrian citizens.

MHD Ibrahim

President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad al-Sharaa, received, Wednesday, a delegation of French businessmen and investors.

The talks focused on ways to boost cooperation in key sectors including energy, aviation, tourism, digital transformation, and resource management, among others.

President al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria is moving forward with confidence on the path of stability and development, stressing the state’s commitment to modernizing investment laws and creating an attractive business environment.

The president welcomed the participation of French companies, highlighting their global expertise and leadership.

MHD Ibrahim

President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Wednesday Decree No. 192 for the year 2025, granting administrative promotion to university students across the Syrian Arab Republic.

The decree aims to facilitate academic progression for students, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting higher education and addressing student needs.

Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, met on Wednesday with Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on the sidelines of the Munich Leaders’ Conference in AlUla city, Saudi Arabia.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of Israel’s repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty, calling for respecting Syria’s territorial integrity.

Speaking at the Munich Leaders Conference in AlUla city, Saudi Arabia, Abdelatty also condemned any actions that pose a threat to the safety and stability of the Syrian people.

He highlighted Egypt’s efforts to end the war in Gaza and urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt its offensive and allow humanitarian aid into the besieged territory, welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiatives in this regard.

The minister further emphasized the need for a political horizon to achieve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination and statehood. He also called for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon and full implementation of UN Resolution 1701.

Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, took part in a high-ranking panel discussion titled “Supporting Syria’s Transitional Phase, Economy, and Reconstruction” during the Munich Security Conference held in AlUla city, Saudi Arabia.

The session brought together regional and international stakeholders to explore strategies for advancing Syria’s recovery, economic revitalization, and institutional rebuilding.

Minister Al-Shaibani emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and international cooperation in supporting Syria’s path toward stability and sustainable development.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stated that Israel is killing approximately 100 Palestinians each day in Gaza as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.

“On average, 100 people are killed daily in Gaza due to Israeli military operations or shootings at humanitarian food distribution points. Others die from hunger or lack of medical care,” In a post on the platform X, Lazzarini said on Wednesday.

He emphasized the urgent need to document violations, amplify the suffering of Palestinians, and called for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for those responsible for the crimes.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing acts of killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement in Gaza, disregarding international appeals and rulings from the International Court of Justice to halt hostilities.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his country’s firm support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing Ankara’s firm opposition to the presence of terrorist organizations within Syrian borders.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the legislative year of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara, Erdogan expressed optimism about Syria’s future, noting that “after 14 years of oppression and injustice under the deposed regime, the Syrian people are beginning to glimpse hope.”

He emphasized Turkey’s enduring role in countering any attempts to destabilize Syria or fragment its social fabric.

Nisreen/ Mazen

On the occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the world to embrace non-violence as a powerful tool to confront injustice and promote diplomacy.

He emphasized the importance of collective action to build a sustainable world founded on justice and peace.

The UN chief stressed that dialogue must replace conflict, and that peace should be built through dignity, not domination.

The UN General Assembly designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007, in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India’s struggle against British colonialism and dedicated his life to spreading the philosophy of peaceful resistance that inspired liberation and human rights movements worldwide.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani met on Wednesday with Lebanese Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassah in AlUla city, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the Munich Leaders’ Conference.

Syria and Saudi Arabia discussed on Wednesday boosting cooperation and joint investment in renewable energy, the Syrian Ministry of Energy stated.

The ministry said that Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir met with the Saudi deputy Mminister of energy for renewable energy affairs, Abdulaziz bin Khalid al-Yousef, to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and ways to enhance it.

The officials reviewed memoranda of understanding signed earlier Wednesday, by the General Organization for Electricity Transmission and Distribution with the Saudi companies Al-Harafi and SCLCO.

The agreements aim to establish photovoltaic and wind energy projects with a total capacity of 500 megawatts.

Last August, the Ministry of Energy signed an agreement and six memoranda of understanding with Saudi companies in the fields of petroleum, electricity, oilfield services, drilling and maintenance of wells.