SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, SANA –The Ministry of Health received on Tuesday four ambulances, provided by the United Nations Population Fund, with funding from the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO).

During a meeting held at the Ministry ‘s building, Acting Health Minister Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa explained that work is underway to improve conditions in the health sector as quickly as possible, by developing plans and a comprehensive health program for the next four years

Dr. Al-Sharaa affirmed that the Ministry looks forward to working and partnering with the Fund, especially with regard to practical and educational matters and raising the competencies of cadres, in addition to issues of mental health and primary health care, stressing that lifting sanctions contributes significantly to the development of the health sector.

In turn, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Adam Abdelmoula highlighted support for the health sector in Syria and development work on early recovery across various sectors adding that political change in Syria has led to a positive change in people’s psychology, and efforts are underway to find solutions to suspend sanctions on Syria.

Luigi Pandolfi, Director of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO), noted that this grant is evidence of the partnership between the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), noting that the EU has provided numerous forms of assistance in northern Syria, and that work is continuing to strengthen the humanitarian response.

Noura /Nisreen Othman

Tartous, SANA- Two ships loaded with crude oil and gasoline arrived at oil terminal of Syrian Oil Transport Company in Baniyas city.

SANA reporter said that a ship carrying 5,600 tons of gasoline arrived at oil terminal of Syrian Oil Transport Company in Baniyas city.

A second ship carrying 100,000 tons of crude oil has arrived at the terminal, SANA reporter added.

Nisreen Othman / Noura

Damascus, SANA- The Public Security Department received FPV suicide drones from the residents of Qardaha city.

The Ministry of Interior stated following a meeting held with dignitaries and members of the Civil Peace Committee in Qardaha city, that the city’s residents had handed over to the Public Security Department the FPV suicide drones left over from the former regime.

Nisreen Othman / Noura

Daraa, SANA- Four civilians were martyred and others, including a woman, were injured as a result of the Israeli occupation shelling of Koya town, west of Daraa.

SANA reporter noted that the occupation forces penetrated the town amid intense reconnaissance flights and bombed it with several tank shells, causing the martyrdom of four civilians and wounding others, including a woman.

On March 17, three civilians were martyred and others were injured in airstrikes by the occupation forces on the outskirts of Daraa city.

Nisreen Othman

Damascus, SANA-Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Maher al-Sharaa, met with Director of the Syrian Civil Defense Organization, Raed al-Saleh, and his accompanying delegation to discuss means of cooperation and coordination regarding ambulance, referral cases, and disaster management.

During the meeting, which took place Monday at the Ministry building, both sides emphasized the necessity of activating a centralized operations room for referrals and ambulance services, supervised by the Ministry of Health, to facilitate patient transportation between healthcare facilities and across governorates.

Dr. al-Sharaa stressed the importance of establishing a joint mechanism and action plan between the Ministry and Civil Defense, working collaboratively to enhance the disaster medicine system. This includes equipping disaster management vehicles with all the necessary healthcare services, adhering to established health standards.

Dr. al-Sharaa also highlighted the significance of organizing training courses for communication officers within the operations room to coordinate and collaborate with other personnel from Civil Defense, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, and other concerned parties.

For his part, al-Saleh pointed to the presence of trained personnel, modern tools, and equipment within the Civil Defense, contributing significantly to rescue operations during disasters.

He emphasized the readiness and preparedness to address any incidents, noting that there are several training courses and awareness sessions focused on safety, firefighting, first aid, and other related topics, targeting various segments of society.

Nisreen Othman / Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Homs, SANA- Minister of Electricity, Engineer Omar Shaqrouq, has inspected the current state of the electrical network in Homs Governorate, emphasizing the implementation of necessary measures to enhance its stability and address challenges.

Engineer Shaqrouq underscored the importance of regular maintenance, rehabilitation plans, and development strategies to ensure the improved performance of the electrical system and to maintain optimal electricity supply to the governorate.

Latifa Moammar/Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANA-The Ministry of Information announced that it is monitoring a systematic campaign of electronic reports targeting official government pages, along with some personal pages of citizens and non-government entities, particularly on the “Facebook” platform.

In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the ministry revealed that investigations indicate that many of these reports were submitted via an email falsely bearing the name of the Ministry of Information. This email is fraudulent and unrelated to the ministry, as the official email addresses of ministries and government entities are well-known and clearly identifiable.

The ministry added that the campaign has targeted posts and pages sharing patriotic content, particularly concerning government achievements and revolutionary events, by falsely claiming ownership of visual materials published on social media platforms.

The ministry clarified that this campaign is part of organized attempts by remnants of the deposed regime and certain companies that previously operated under its umbrella, which continue to seek destabilization in Syria and defamation of the new Syrian state’s achievements.

It confirmed that it is actively tracking the entities responsible for these reports and cyber-attacks to take necessary legal actions against them and prevent any attempts to distort facts or undermine security and stability.

Manar /Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANA-During a meeting Monday with a delegation from the World Bank, Minister of Finance, Mohammad Abazid discussed the challenges faced by the Ministry of Finance and the ways to overcome them.

The two sides also addressed, during the meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters, the technical aspects of financial operations and explored methods to update and develop the ministry’s work to keep pace with the latest global financial systems.

Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANA-Dr. Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, held a meeting Monday with Ahmed Ibrahim, the Acting Chargé d’Affairs of the Sudanese Embassy in Damascus, to discuss joint cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector.

The meeting, which took place at the ministry, addressed the joint cooperation agreement signed last year between the two countries in the field of agricultural sector development.

Ruaa Jazaeri

Homs, SANA- Ministry of Interior announced on Monday that the General Security Administration uncovered cache of weapons, ammunition, grenades and night vision goggles, in the town of Aziziyah, west of Homs.

The Ministry added that the weapons were confiscated and necessary legal measures were taken.

Mazen Eyon

Sweida, SANA- Sweida Governorate received on Monday an aid convoy containing 10,000 food baskets from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

The convoy is part of the “Ramadan of Goodness and Victory” campaign launched by the ministry to mark the holy month of Ramadan. The food baskets will be distributed to the neediest families across the governorate.

Director of Social Affairs and Labor in Sweida, Osama al-Johari, told a SANA reporter that the convoy, which was received in coordination between the directorate, the governorate, and the Syrian Development Organization, is being distributed by the heads of administrative units in their regions to the neediest families.

Noura /Khadeja

Damascus, SANA -The Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa, discussed on Monday with the heads of the central administration at the ministry the reality and work plans of the directorates, what was accomplished during the first quarter of the current year, challenges they are facing and how to overcome them.

Al-Sharaa discussed with the directors financial, legal, economic and public health matters, and interest in field work through routine tours, pointing out the necessity for the ministry to be informed of accurate statistics regarding the work of the directorates, and to introduce a mechanism for medical documentation of patients in hospitals.‏

He also reviewed the achievements, obstacles, and specific plans at the level of medical and technical development, information systems, and human resources development in the health sector, as well as the primary care plans and primary health care strategy for the coming period

Dr. Al-Sharaa stressed the need for the continuity of developing health work in hospitals, improve health services, and meet the needs of hospitals, with the necessity of conducting periodic tours of hospitals and pharmaceutical laboratories, to ensure the quality of health services provided.

Noura /khadeja

Damascus, SANA-Syria participated in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO), which was held remotely on Sunday with the participation of students from 49 countries.

Distinction and Creativity Agency said in post on its official Facebook page that a number of students from the Syrian Science Olympiad team, both old and new, in mathematics, represented Syria in this participation, through a test that took place at the Authority’s headquarters in Damascus, and included five mathematical problems over a period of four continuous hours.

This is Syria’s 15th participation at the Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO).

Manar Salameh

Aleppo, SANA-The Directorate of Political Affairs in Aleppo hosted an Iftar banquet attended by the Director of Political Affairs, the Turkish Consul in Aleppo, and a member of the Turkish Parliament from the Justice and Development Party.

The banquet was attended by dignitaries from the areas that hosted the city’s displaced people, businessmen, and a number of orphans.

Manar Salameh

Cairo, SANA-During his meeting in Cairo with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty has reiterated “Egypt’s support for the Syrian people and the legitimate aspirations of its people.”

In a statement published on the ministry’s official website, Egyptian Foreign Ministry official spokesperson Ambassador, Tamim Khallaf, indicated that Minister Abdelatty discussed with Kallas bilateral relations between Egypt and the European Union, as well as the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest, including developments in Syria.

He added that “During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s support for the Syrian people and the fulfillment of their aspirations.

 He also underlined the importance of initiating a political process that does not exclude any component of the Syrian society, and for Syria to be a source of stability in the region.

Latifa /Manar Salameh

Damascus, SANA-The Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Maher al-Sharaa, conducted an inspection tour Sunday to assess the operations and the medical and educational services provided at the National University Hospital in Damascus.

The tour included visits to several departments, such as the laboratory, emergency, intensive care, operating rooms, resuscitation, MRI, dialysis unit, and the hospital’s lecture hall.

During the tour, Dr. al-Sharaa listened to the hospital’s administration and department heads about their workflows, the challenges they face, and their needs.

He also engaged with inpatients and visitors, gathering feedback on the quality of medical services provided, and reaffirmed continuous efforts to improve the level of services provided in the hospital.

Dr. al-Sharaa also met with several resident doctors, who highlighted the significance of the training they have received during their time in the hospital’s various departments. This training has contributed to their skills and expertise, enabling them to perform their duties effectively. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the experience and capabilities of the hospital’s senior doctors.

Dr. al-Sharaa reviewed the progress of the hospital’s expansion project, discussing obstacles hindering its completion and proposed solutions to expedite the process, ensuring it serves citizens as soon as possible.

Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANA-The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Damascus hosted a reception on Sunday evening to celebrate Pakistan’s 85th National Day at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.

In his speech, the Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy in Damascus, Mr. Umer Hayat Khan, emphasized the significance of the deep and friendly relations between Pakistan and Syria. He noted that Pakistan established diplomatic ties with Syria just one year after its independence, and these relations have continued with the same warmth to this day, with cooperation spanning all sectors.

The Chargé d’affaires stated, “The two countries share religious, historical, and cultural ties, and with each passing day, their bilateral relations deepen, thanks to the convergence of interests at all levels. I am confident that Syria’s new leadership will overcome all challenges and transform Syria into a prosperous and democratic country.”

He stressed his country’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, who continue their struggle for self-determination. He urged the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, allowing the Palestinian people to determine their own future.

For his part, Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Dr. Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, conveyed Syria’s wishes for Pakistan’s prosperity, progress, and success in his speech during the reception. He extended his greetings to the Pakistani people on their National Day.

Minister al-Ahmad highlighted that the current government is working to build a new Syria by fostering balanced relationships with friendly and brotherly countries to safeguard the interests of the Syrian people, who have endured war, displacement, and destruction in recent years.

He also underscored efforts to establish a strong economic foundation, including advancements in the agricultural sector, with the support and cooperation of Pakistan, leveraging its expertise in agricultural technologies.

The event was attended by Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, Engineer Maher Khalil al-Hassan, along with heads and representatives of several diplomatic missions accredited in Damascus.

Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Hama, SANA-The health department in Souran city has intensified its field visits to villages and towns in the eastern countryside of Hama Governorate, where no permanent health centers exist. The aim is to deliver free medical services to residents, particularly children and women.

Dr. Samih al-Hussein, head of the health department, explained in a statement to SANA’s reporter Sunday that the services provided by the mobile health teams covered most of the villages, farms, and residential communities in Hama eastern countryside, especially in al-Hamra subdistrict, where there are no fixed health centers or medical facilities.

He noted that the mobile teams ensure children receive all necessary vaccinations, particularly those who missed previous campaigns.

Dr. al-Hussein added that during the visits—comprising specialized doctors, nurses, and health educators—the teams conducted investigations into cases of anemia, malnutrition, and leishmaniasis among children. They also provided health advice and guidance to families, in addition to distributing free medications to patients, supplied by the Ministry of Health.

He further emphasized that the Souran Health Department continues to deliver services to as many residents of the eastern countryside as possible, alongside a significant return of residents to their homes after displacement.

Manar /Ruaa al-Jazaeri