SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

A Syrian–Turkish technical committee from the Cargo Transport Directorate convened a virtual meeting today in Damascus to review executive procedures for organizing cargo and passenger transport between the two countries. The session follows the Oct. 16 meeting held at the Cilvegözü/Bab al-Hawa crossing aimed at establishing a clear operational framework and reducing obstacles to a minimum.

The Turkish side delivered a presentation on current transport and customs procedures, including regulations for transport companies, standard weight and dimension criteria, and technical explanations from Turkish customs officials regarding clearance mechanisms and measures to ensure smooth commercial movement.

During the discussions, both sides highlighted several agreed-upon points: Issuing visas exclusively through embassies, adopting unified weights and lengths based on international standards, allowing Syrian trucks to unload cargo inside Turkish territory, provided technical compliance, maintaining the current decision not to permit Syrian trucks to load cargo in Turkey for Gulf-bound routes, maintaining the suspension on entry of empty Syrian trucks into Turkey for the time being.

Participants also examined procedures for reactivating passenger transport via tourist vehicles and buses, and discussed possible pathways for reviving the international agreement governing this sector. The two sides agreed to hold a forthcoming workshop to develop a shared proposal for restoring overland passenger transport.
Officials said the meeting is part of ongoing technical coordination aimed at improving transport organization, streamlining procedures and enhancing commercial flow in line with mutual interests.

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, met on Monday in Beijing with Chen Wenqing, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen security cooperation and develop mechanisms for joint coordination between the two countries in a manner that serves their shared strategic interests.

Syrian Chief of the General Intelligence apparatus, Hussein Al-Salama, attended the meeting.

Mazen

Minister of Health, Dr. Musab Al-Ali, met on Monday with a delegation from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), headed by Deputy Resident Representative Rouhi Afghani to explore ways to enhance cooperation in advancing the health sector.

During the meeting held in Damascus, the two sides discussed launching a project aimed at capacity building, renovating and rehabilitating hospitals and health centers and ensuring sustainable financing.

Dr. Al-Ali outlined the current state of the health sector, its significant needs and challenges, and emphasized the importance of rehabilitating health facilities according to specific standards that guarantee quality and safety.

He stressed the need for data collection and organizing specialized workshops to train staff in all fields, facilitating operations and ensuring improved efficiency among healthcare workers.

Afghani, in turn, explained the program’s plan to renovate five hospitals and 25 health centers, equip them with necessary medical devices, provide solar energy systems and collaborate on developing a digital health strategy.

This meeting comes in the framework  of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with international organizations and coordinate projects to rehabilitate health facilities, aiming to improve healthcare services and provide high-quality care to patients.

Mazen

The 19th Dubai Airshow 2025 opened today at Dubai World Central with Syria participating in the global aviation event, which runs until Nov. 21.

The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority announced that its participation, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is represented by an official delegation headed by Omar al-Husri, Director General of the Syrian Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority.

The authority said the participation reflects Syria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners and reaffirming its presence at leading global aviation and aerospace gatherings.

The airshow is recognized as a major global platform for investment, emerging technologies and advanced innovation, covering the latest developments in airport expansion, modern aviation systems and next-generation aerospace solutions.

Organizers said the 2025 edition is the largest in the event’s history, hosting more than 1,500 exhibitors, around 148,000 visitors, and 490 military and civilian delegations from 115 countries.

The show features more than 200 aircraft, ranging from commercial and military jets to next-generation aviation systems and advanced aerospace technologies.

During the event, officials launched the “Sustainable Aircraft Operations Platform,” a global initiative showcasing the full potential of sustainable aircraft preparation and operation. The platform was developed through cooperation between Dubai Airports, Dubai National Air Travel Agency, flydubai and more than 30 strategic industry partners.

Dubai Airshow, held every two years, is organized in partnership with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai World Central and the UAE Armed Forces.

The Internal Security Directorate in Homs Province seized on Monday several anti-armor missiles found in an orchard in the village of al-Masoudiya.

SANA quoted a security source in SANA as saying that the missiles were confiscated and an official report was filed.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by local authorities to enhance security and maintain stability in the region.

Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakour denied Monday the circulating reports about a military operation in the province, calling them baseless.

In a statement published on his Telegram channel, al-Bakour stressed that these false reports are intended to disturb people , spreading discord, and driving families into fear and displacement from their homes—particularly during the harsh winter conditions.

He urged the people of Sweida not to be misled by malicious rumors and identify those spreading them,in an effort to destabilize the region and exploit public fears.

Syria and China reaffirmed on Monday their commitment to deepening the historic friendship between the two nations, emphasizing mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and cooperation in areas that serve both peoples’ interests.

The announcement, made in a joint statement, followed talks between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides expressed interest in expanding collaboration on economic development, Syria’s reconstruction, capacity-building, and improving living standards, among other shared priorities.

The two countries also stressed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms and pledged to enhance coordination on security matters. They underscored the role of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in advancing bilateral and regional cooperation and committed to continuing cooperation within this framework.

Minister al-Shaibani reiterated Syria’s support for the One-China policy, recognizing Beijing as the sole legitimate government representing China, including Taiwan. He affirmed Syria’s backing of China’s efforts to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposed any foreign interference in Chinese affairs.

He praised President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives—including the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance initiatives—and expressed Syria’s willingness to actively engage with them.

Addressing China’s security concerns, al-Shaibani assured that Syria would not be a source of threat to China and would not let any entity use Syrian territory for actions against Chinese interests. He also thanked China for its humanitarian and developmental support to Syria and praised its economic achievements.

The Chinese Minister reaffirmed Beijing’s full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity. Beijing recognized the Syrian government as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people. He expressed support for Syria’s political process, anti-drug and anti-terrorism efforts, and rule-of-law initiatives. China also reaffirmed that the Golan Heights remains Syrian territory under international law.

Both sides committed to ongoing dialogue and joint action to translate discussions into concrete initiatives that promote prosperity and development for both nations.

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani hailed his talks with the Chinese officials as an important step in advancing the partnership between the two countries.

In a statement on X from Beijing on Monday, al-Shaibani described his visit as “an important step in advancing the partnership between our two countries,” adding that the discussions were “constructive and opened broad prospects for supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts.”

The minister emphasized Damascus’ appreciation for Beijing’s longstanding support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. “We value the People’s Republic of China’s firm positions in supporting the unity and sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic and the safety of its territory,” he said.

Al-Shaibani noted that strengthening this support marks a new phase of Syrian–Chinese cooperation built on mutual respect and joint efforts.

This is al-Shaibani’s first official visit to China, making the country the fifth permanent member of the United Nations Security Council visited by the new Syrian government since the December 2024 liberation.

Syrian Minister of Foreign Affair and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met on Monday with members of the Syrian community at the Hospitality Palace in Beijing.

Minister al-Shaibani arrived to China on Sunday for his first official visit to the country.

Syrian writer and novelist Jan Dost, who is based in Germany, is serving on the documentary film jury at the 14th International Film and Shared Memory Festival, currently taking place in Nador, Morocco, from November 15 to 20.

This year’s edition features three competition categories—documentary, short, and feature films—held under the theme “Memory of Peace.”

In a statement to SANA, Dost expressed his satisfaction at joining the jury, noting that this is his first experience serving on a film festival jury. He added that Syria was highlighted as a real-world example during a two-day symposium on transitional justice held on the sidelines of the festival.

Born in 1965, Dost has worked in journalism since 1988 and has produced a substantial body of work, including articles, novels, and translations in Arabic, Kurdish, and other languages. Seventeen of his novels—including four that address the Syrian revolution—have been translated into multiple languages, with several earning literary awards.

The Syrian national football team is set to face Pakistan on Tuesday in the fifth round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, with the match scheduled to take place in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital.

The team held its second training session on Sunday. Alaa al-Dali joined the team on Saturday, taking part in the session and completing the full roster.

Syria enters tomorrow’s fixture having already secured qualification for the Asian Cup finals after topping its group with a perfect record of four wins from four matches.

Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, met with a delegation from the European Union to discuss funding mechanisms and contractual frameworks for child-protection programs in partnership with the humanitarian organization Terre des Hommes (TDH).

The discussions concluded with an agreement to allocate €1.5 million to support basic needs in juvenile care centers, with part of the funds potentially directed to facilities addressing child begging.

The funding package includes logistical upgrades and vocational training programs aimed at helping vulnerable children and adolescents develop skills and enhance their prospects for social reintegration.

Israeli occupation forces entered the area between the eastern al-Samdaniyah village and Khan Arnabeh town in Quneitra countryside on Monday and set up a military checkpoint in the area.

According to a SANA correspondent, the forces entered the area using two four-wheel-drive vehicles and withdrew shortly afterward.

Earlier, on Sunday, a five-vehicle Israeli force entered Saida al-Golan village in southern Quneitra countryside and withdrew after a brief presence.

Syria condemns these ongoing incursions, describing them as violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, international law, and relevant United Nations resolutions, and called on the international community to take decisive measures to halt such attacks.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited the Central Bank of Syria, met with the bank’s governor, Abdul Qader Husariya, and his deputies, and reviewed the overall development plan.

During the visit, President al-Sharaa was briefed on the progress of the institutional and technical transformation program, as well as on plans to develop the banking infrastructure and strengthen financial stability.

The president also reviewed plans for upgrading internal work systems, oversight mechanisms, and national payment systems. He was briefed on preparations for the bank’s 2026–2030 strategy and procedures for replacing the national currency according to the highest technical standards.

President al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of developing the banking sector and enhancing its role as a key pillar in supporting the country’s economic development.

The anti-narcotics branch in Idleb province have arrested two men on charges of drug trafficking, the Interior Ministry reported Monday.

The suspects, identified only as M.H. and F.S., were arrested after investigations linked them to the promotion and sale of narcotics within the region.

According to the Ministry’s statement on its Telegram channel, authorities seized 1,060 Captagon pills, 75 grams of hashish and approximately 28,380 other narcotic tablets.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the two men were involved in both the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. The authorities confiscated the seized substances and related equipment before transferring the suspects to the judiciary for further legal action.

Gaza’s media office said Monday that Israeli forces have continued to violate the ceasefire that came into effect in early October, killing 242 Palestinians and injuring 620 others since then.

According to the media office, “One Palestinian was fatally shot by an Israeli drone in the al-Atatra neighborhood of Beit Lahia, in northwest Gaza. Witnesses said additional casualties, including a child, occurred when a quadcopter drone dropped an explosive device on a group of civilians in Gaza City’s Shuja’iyya district.”

In parallel, Israeli artillery targeted areas east of Khan Younis, along with heavy gunfire and airstrikes. Local officials said several homes were destroyed in eastern Gaza.

The 11th edition of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Exhibition “Syriatech” is set to open next Thursday at the Damascus Fairgrounds, featuring around 225 exhibitors from Syria, the Arab world, and abroad.

Hammam Dabboul, the exhibition’s international marketing director, told SANA that this year’s event, organized in coordination with the Ministry of Communications and Technology, introduces a new visual identity reflecting Syria’s vision of a modern digital future.

Dabboul said the exhibition accelerates the country’s digital transformation, highlights emerging technologies, and strengthens investment partnerships. He added that official Arab and international delegations have expressed interest in the Syrian market and will attend the event.

Organized by the Arab Group for Exhibitions and Conferences and Al-Mubdioun Company for Exhibitions and Conferences, Syriatech provides a platform to showcase technologies in informatics, smart cities, e-government, electronic payments, as well as advanced solutions in telecommunications, software, and artificial intelligence.

The exhibition, spread across nearly 250 booths, will run until Nov. 24. Visiting hours are from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with free transportation provided from Freedom Bridge and Bab Touma Square in Damascus.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor announced on Monday it continues to coordinate with the committee investigating the fate of the children of detainees, prisoners, and forcibly disappeared persons to uncover the fate of the children of detainees, prisoners, and forcibly disappeared persons in Syria.

The committee, chaired by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, includes representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Awqaf, and Justice, as well as from civil society organizations, the families of missing persons, and experts in human rights and issues related to enforced disappearances.

In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the Ministry affirmed that, due to the sensitivity of the case, it is currently refraining from making media statements about the investigation’s progress to ensure the safety of the children and their families.

The statement urged citizens with relevant information to contact the ministry stressing the importance of accuracy and credibility when sharing information related to this matter.

Syria’s Olympic football team will face Jordan in a second friendly match tomorrow, as part of the ongoing training camp in Jordan. The match serves as final preparation for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia early next year.

The two teams previously met last Thursday, with Syria losing 2-1 in the first of their two friendly matches during the camp.

Syria is set to compete in the Asian Cup as part of Group B, where they will face Japan, Qatar, and the UAE.