SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

The 11th edition of the Information and Communications Technology Exhibition “Syria HIGH TECH” kicked off on Thursday evening at the Damascus Fairgrounds with the participation of 225 local, Arab, and international exhibitors.

The event, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Technology, highlights Syria’s ambitious plans to build a modern digital economy after years of war and sanctions.
Exhibitors are showcasing innovations in smart cities, e-government, electronic payments, artificial intelligence, and advanced software solutions.

Communications Minister Abdul Salam Haykal described the event as a “real opportunity” for service providers and tech firms to exchange expertise. He noted that the return of international companies to Syria will require “organized efforts to prepare the market,” though some firms have already begun opening offices in Damascus.

Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh emphasized that digital transformation is central to Syria’s reconstruction strategy, pointing to new tax policies designed to encourage investment in technology and entrepreneurship.

In a sign of regional interest, Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy Sami Smeirat led a delegation of 80 Jordanian companies seeking partnerships with Syrian counterparts to support digitalization and post-war recovery.

Exhibition director Hala Al-Shurbaji said the event serves as a “key platform” to present cutting-edge technologies in ICT and AI. The expo runs until November 24, featuring around 250 booths, with daily sessions open to the public

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and his wife, Mrs. Latifa Al-Droubi, met on Thursday with a group of children of the martyrs and excellent students on the occasion of World Children’s Day.

The President and his wife listened to the children’s dreams, ambitions and the challenges they face, emphasizing the State’s commitment to making up for what its children have endured over the past years.

Several children expressed their desire to hold positions of responsibility in future, imagining themselves as ministers, each child sat on the minister’s seat to present their vision and future project.

Meanwhile, the President and his wife listened to their aspirations, affirming the State’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment that guarantees their rights and provides equal opportunities for their upbringing and education.

Mazen

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday condemned the entry of the Israeli occupation’s Prime Minister and several ministers and officials from his government into southern Syria, stressing the need to halt Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation of the continued blatant violations by the Israeli occupation in the region, the latest of which include the aggressive attacks on Gaza and Khan Yunis, and the aggression on the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic through the deliberate infiltration by the Israeli Prime Minister and several of his government officials into the border area of southern Syria,” Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement published on X platform.

The ministry emphasized the necessity of halting Israeli transgressions against Syrian territorial sovereignty and called for adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement to ensure regional security and stability and to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Mazen Eyon

The Rebuilding Channels for Syria initiative, in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Daylight for All Organization, signed an implementation contract for a comprehensive project aimed at improving the quality of emergency services at Aleppo University Hospital. The agreement was concluded during an official meeting held on Thursday in Bonn, Germany.

The 24-month project includes the provision of advanced and modern medical equipment for the hospital’s anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care departments. It also features an extensive training program targeting physicians, nurses, technicians, and medical students to strengthen their skills in dealing with emergency cases under the challenging conditions of war and resource shortages.

The training component covers specialized workshops in anesthesia and resuscitation, head and neck trauma, orthopedic emergencies, critical internal medicine cases, working with limited equipment, radiation protection, and general surgery, with the participation of Syrian and German experts.

Mohammad Nour Al-Dagheem, Director of Rebuilding Channels for Syria initiative, stated that the signing of the contract marks a significant milestone in supporting the health sector in Syria—particularly in Aleppo, where emergency departments face heavy pressure. He noted that the project combines the provision of modern medical equipment with the training of medical staff to ensure sustainability and improved quality of care.

He added that the project will directly benefit hundreds of health-sector workers, while its indirect impact is expected to reach more than four million residents of Aleppo, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Dr. Mawadda Suteif, head of the medical division at the initiative, emphasized that the project represents a pivotal step toward strengthening the hospital’s emergency system amid existing challenges and equipment shortages. She explained that intensive hands-on training will enhance the competency of medical personnel according to international best practices in resuscitation, trauma, surgery, and crisis management.

Dr. Iyad Dermesh, Director of Daylight for All, described the partnership as the organization’s fourteenth collaboration with GIZ in supporting the health sector. He reaffirmed the commitment to continuing similar projects that contribute to revitalizing medical services in Syria and enhancing the capacity of health institutions to deliver high-quality care.

“We are preparing practical and intensive training programs in partnership with experts from Syria and Germany to ensure sustainable skill development that directly improves emergency care for citizens,” he said.

This initiative comes as part of broader reconstruction support efforts and ongoing work to strengthen essential services in affected areas, contributing to the development of a more resilient and prepared health system.

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has officially reactivated its permanent mission to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Thursday in The Hague.

The ministry announced in a press statement appointing Mohammad Katoub as Syria’s Permanent Representative to the organization.

Earlier this month, the Ministry announced that, following intensive diplomatic efforts over recent months, the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution with broad international support, receiving 151 votes in favor. The resolution highlights a stage of positive and advanced cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the OPCW.

The Ministry noted in a press statement that the resolution welcomes the Syrian government’s efforts and its full and transparent cooperation with the OPCW, calls for continued international support, and underscores Syria’s commitment to constructive engagement aimed at enhancing transparency and rebuilding trust.

At the historic Qadam station in Damascus, the Hejaz Railway Museum is preserving the memory of one of the Middle East’s most ambitious transport projects.

It was established in 2008 to mark the centennial of the railway’s launch, the museum houses rare documents, maps, and equipment that trace the line’s history since 1908.

The Hejaz Railway once connected Damascus to Medina, passing through Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula.
It was built to ease pilgrimages and strengthen regional ties. The line stretched more than 1,300 kilometers and was considered a landmark feat of engineering.

Among the museum’s exhibits are Ottoman-era maps, vintage telephones used to coordinate train movements, and tickets for routes such as Damascus–Haifa.

Tools from maintenance workshops, lanterns, and Morse code telegraphs highlight the ingenuity that sustained the railway.

Though the museum suffered damage and looting during Syria’s years of war, restoration efforts are underway.
Curators say the project is not only about repairing artifacts but also about reviving cultural memory. “It is a bridge between past and present,” said museum official Manal Khalifa.

With its collection of rare documents and equipment, the Hejaz Railway Museum offers visitors a journey through time, keeping alive the echoes of steam engines that once made Damascus the gateway to the Hejaz.

Israeli occupation forces infiltrated Thursday into village of Samadaniyah Sharqiyah in Quneitra

SANA reporter said that an Israeli unit entered from Al-Burj point in the Quneitra sabotaged area, with four vehicles moving toward the village without setting up any checkpoints or stopping, later continuing toward Tal Kurum Jabba.

The Israeli occupation continues its assaults on Syrian territory in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Syria always condemns those assaults and calls on the international community to take a firm stance to stop them.

Mazen

Syrian Minister of Education, Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko, emphasized that education is a constitutional right guaranteed by the state for every Syrian child. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing a safe and balanced educational environment, ensuring access to education across all regions of the country.

The statement came during a meeting on Thursday at the Ministry headquarters in Damascus with Mar Moruis Amsih, Bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of Jazira and Euphrates. The two sides discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and religious authorities in support of educational development.

Minister Turko highlighted the Ministry’s focus on developing curricula, training staff, and supporting community initiatives that contribute to delivering education to all children, including those residing in remote areas.

Bishop Amsih expressed his appreciation for the Ministry’s role in supporting and advancing the educational process, stressing the importance of joint work between religious and civil institutions to serve future generations.

The meeting, is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to enhance dialogue with all components of Syrian society and to reinforce education as a fundamental pillar for intellectual and moral development.

The first Syrian livestock ship departed Thursday from Tartous port, bound for Brazil, following its local conversion from a commercial ship into a dedicated livestock carrier, which is a first-of-its-kind achievement in the region.

Tartous port director Muawiya Hafyan said that the ship, built and re-fitted entirely by Syrian expertise, consists of nine decks and can accommodate up to 11,000 head of cattle. It is fully equipped according to international standards, with all safety measures in place for the crew and cargo.

The Officials highlighted that the re-design was completed in record time under the supervision of Syrian specialists, making the vessel compliant with European specifications.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Syrian ports, showcasing their technical and operational readiness to support the national economy and expand exports to new markets.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Thursday Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, Tarek Mitri, at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

The two sides discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Mazen

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support programs aimed at enhancing the work and capacities of Syrian diplomatic personnel.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of Syria by Yasser al-Jundi, Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and on behalf of UNDP by Rohi Afghani, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Syria.

The agreement includes UNDP’s provision of training and technical support to improve the working environment for diplomats, as well as the application of modern methods in preparing a new generation of Syrian diplomats. This step represents the first stage in a broader framework of cooperation and joint work between the Ministry and UNDP.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network of the United Nations, operating in approximately 170 countries to assist nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Syria has extended its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the sisterly Sultanate of Oman—its leadership, government and people—on the occasion of the National Day, which coincides on November 20th.

On this occasion, the Ministry expressed Syria’s pride in the strong fraternal ties that bind it with the Sultanate of Oman, and its keenness on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various fields in a way that serves the interests of both countries and peoples, and contributes to supporting joint Arab action.

The Ministry conveyed the Syrian Arab Republic’s wishes to the Sultanate of Oman for continued prosperity and progress, and to its noble people security, stability and development.

The Omani people celebrate their National Day on November 20, which marks an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey of development and rise across multiple sectors, reaffirming its regional and international position.

Mazen Eyon

Al-Mughrabi Mosque, also known as “Al-Noor Mosque,” stands as one of the most prominent historical and religious landmarks in the coastal city of Lattakia, serving for nearly two centuries as both a spiritual center and a beacon of knowledge.

The mosque was built between 1827 and 1835 on the southern edge of the historic Qala’a ( citadel ) neighborhood. It was named after Sheikh Mohammed al-Mughrabi, a scholar from Morocco who settled in the city after a pilgrimage.

The building retains its original Ottoman design and has proven structurally resilient, even withstanding the 2023 earthquake without damage.

Beyond its spiritual role, the mosque has long been a hub of education, hosting schools and institutes that trained generations of teachers and students.

Religious study circles continue to be held there today, reinforcing its dual legacy as both a place of worship and a center of learning, cherished by the people of Lattakia.

Lattakia Governorate officially handed over the Carmelite Sisters’ Convent building in al-Kameelyeh neighborhood to its rightful owners, the Carmelite Sisters Association, marking the end of more than 57 years since the dissolved Baath Party seized the property. The step reinforces the principles of justice and the restoration of legitimate rights.

Waleed Nassar, head of the Public Properties Office in Lattakia, stated in a comment to SANA that the return of material and moral rights taken by the deposed regime is part of ongoing efforts to build a state of citizenship founded on justice and equality. He noted that since the liberation, the General Secretariat for Political Affairs has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of all properties previously controlled by the dissolved Baath Party.

Nassar affirmed that every property proven to have been taken unlawfully will be restored to its legitimate owner, stressing that fairness in implementation is essential to the success of rights-restitution processes. He added that the handover strengthens social harmony within Lattakia Governorate and contributes to greater community cohesion and stability.

Nasser pointed to the Sisters’ plans to renovate the building and re-establish the school and social services traditionally associated with the convent, praising the governorate’s effective cooperation in completing the recovery process.

This measure comes as part of Lattakia Governorate’s broader efforts to resolve outstanding property issues and guarantee the rights of their original owners.

The Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party condemned the entry of the Israeli Prime Minister, along with several ministers and officials, into southern Syria, affirming that it constitutes a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and an assault on the unity of its territory.

“This Israeli behavior requires decisive intervention from the international community to put an end to the dangerous Israeli practices that reflect the enemy’s expansionist ambitions,” the party said in a statement on Thursday, calling on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities and oblige Israel not to violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Syria condemned this act on Wednesday, urging global action to stop Israeli violations and ensure a full withdrawal under the 1974 Agreement. It pledged to continue defending its sovereignty until all occupied lands are restored.

Kuwait condemned in the strongest terms the entry of Israeli Prime Minister, along with several ministers and officials from the Israeli government, into southern Syria, stressing the need for the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait’s strongest condemnation of the entry of the Israeli Prime Minister, accompanied by a number of his entourage, into the occupied territories of the brotherly Syrian Arab Republic, in a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty over its territory and a flagrant breach of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.”The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday:

The Ministry reiterated Kuwait’s full support for Syria’s independence and sovereignty over all its territories, emphasizing the necessity for the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities by ensuring full compliance with international legitimacy resolutions, particularly the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The Ministry also called for preventing the continuation of Israeli aggressions against Syrian territories and other countries in the region.

The Kuwaiti Ministry urged the international community to take measures to halt Israeli violations against Syrian lands and neighboring states.

The Interior Ministry announced on Thursday it had freed five people from Sweida, three women and two men, following a special operation carried out by Internal Security units in the town of al-Msayfira in eastern Daraa countryside.

Hussam al-Tahhan, Commander of Internal Security in Sweida Province said in a statement on the Ministery’s Telegram channel that the operation came after “precise field monitoring and extensive surveillance and investigation efforts.” The operation resulted in the arrest of the kidnapping group’s leader”
The freed individuals were kidnapped for four months and their families were extorted according to the ministry.

The leader of the criminal group has been referred to the competent judiciary to take the necessary legal actions, while the security units continue to pursue the remaining individuals involved to ensure they are brought to justice.

“The freed individuals were taken to safety to receive the necessary medical and psychological care before being reunited with their families.” The statement added

The operation reaffirms the Internal Security Forces’ commitment to strengthening public safety, protecting citizens, and pursuing all those who threaten their security and well-being

On Thursday, the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, and Agriculture Minister, Amjad Badr, met with Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the Fourth International Summit on Food Security in Kyiv.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and develop relations between Syria and Ukraine.

Sybiha expressed Ukraine’s readiness to support food security in Syria and help develop its agricultural sector.

In a separate meeting, Agriculture Minister Badr and his delegation discussed with Ukraine’s Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Minister, Oleksii Sobolev, the prospects of signing a joint cooperation agreement between the two countries.

The summit’s main objective is to enhance the resilience of food supply chains, expand support beyond grains to a wider range of food products, and promote agricultural innovation and rehabilitate damaged lands, including demining efforts.

Syria’s Minister of Transport, Yarub Badr, held talks on Thursday with representatives from Dorsch Global, a German company specializing in railway infrastructure, to discuss the upgrade of the phosphate transport rail line from the Homs mines to the port of Tartous. The project aims to increase the line’s annual capacity to 4.3 million tons.

During a video conference, Minister Badr invited the German team to conduct a field visit to the rail line, from the mines to the port, to assess the technical condition on-site, identify specific needs, and ensure the accuracy of the studies before proceeding with the project.

The discussions centered on the technical and logistical challenges of upgrading the infrastructure and improving the technologies used in the rail system. The proposed upgrades are expected to enhance the efficiency of phosphate transport, streamlining the movement of goods from production areas to the port.

This meeting follows a similar one held on Wednesday with representatives from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, a German organization specializing in research and technical support. That discussion focused on developing Syria’s transport sector, including providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Transport.