SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, SANA- Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani said on the occasion of mother’s day: “On this day, we remember the great Syrian mothers, who buried their children or await news of their missing relatives, who endured indescribable pain in the darkness of Assad’s tyranny.”

The Minister added on its page on X platform” You are the spirit of our country and the beacon of our steadfastness, we promised you that we would once again turn Syria into a beacon of justice and that your sacrifices would not be in vain.”

Fedaa

Lattakia, SANA-A civilian was killed in an explosion of a landmine left behind by the former regime in the eastern Lattakia countryside.

“A young man was killed, and his brother was injured, today when a landmine left behind by the former regime exploded in the village of Ain al-Ashra in the eastern Lattakia countryside.” The Civil Defense stated on its Telegram channel.

The Civil Defense noted that its teams transported the body and provided first aid to the young man at the Bdama Center in the western Idleb countryside.

The Civil Defense noted that remnants of war and mines continue to threaten the lives of civilians, causing serious injuries, undermining agricultural and economic activities, and hindering the return of displaced persons to their homes in large areas of Syria.

MHD Ibrahim

Damascus, SANA- Syria has more than 101 million olive trees, of which approximately 90 million are fruitful.

Olive trees are the third most cultivated crop in Syria and contribute approximately 3% of the country’s national income and 9.5% of agricultural income, as well as providing jobs for approximately 300,000 Syrian families.

The area planted with olive trees in Syria is estimated at 674,000 hectares, which constitutes 12 percent of the total cultivated area.

“Olive oil production during the 2024 season amounted to 122,000 tons, and local consumption reached 100,000 tons, which means there is a surplus for export of approximately 22,000 tons,” Abeer Jawhar, director of the Olive Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, told SANA.

She explained that the final olive production for the aforementioned season amounted to approximately 761,764 tons, of which 20 percent was used for consumption and 80 percent for oil extraction.

There are 35 olive oil filtration and packaging companies in Syria that produce containers of various sizes and types, in compliance with Syrian and international standards. These companies export to numerous Arab and foreign countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, permanent and essential markets for this purpose.

Regarding the importance of Syria’s return to the International Olive Council, Jawhar considered that working with international organizations interested in the olive oil sector is one of the most important factors in developing this sector and transforming it into an economic sector that attracts investment.

It is worth noting that Syria joined the International Olive Council in 1998 in accordance with the United Nations International Olive Oil Agreement and had greatly benefited from the support it provided to member states.

MHD Ibrahim

Aleppo,SANA- The Narcotics Department in cooperation with the Aleppo Security Directorate arrested  on Friday a drug dealer after a successful security operation.

The Interior Ministry said that: three million Captagon tablets, seized from a warehouse adding that the necessary legal measures were take.

 khadega

Kuwait, SANA -The State of Kuwait strongly condemned on Friday the recent Israeli raids on Syrian territory, stressing that these raids constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

“The State of Kuwait reaffirmed its stance which calls for the necessity of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity,” Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) quoted the Kuwaiti council of ministers as saying in a statement.

The statement stressed the importance of the UN Security Council fulfilling its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and putting an end to the blatant violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces, which pose a threat to the security and stability of Syria and the region.

Noura /Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed that the official opening of the German embassy in Damascus on Thursday means a long-term commitment to Syria, and that the staff there will gradually expand, noting that Germany supports the political process in Syria to achieve peace for all its citizens.

During a press conference held in Damascus on Thursday, Baerbock noted that her country would support Syria politically and economically and would stand by the Syrian people, and She noted that the first steps toward unifying the country had been taken, and that subsequent steps would be achieved in partnership with all components of society.

Baerbock articulated that her country pledged 300 million euros at the Brussels conference as part of its efforts to achieve economic stability in Syria, and that the Syrian people need support and reconstruction, pointing out that the political process in the country must include all components, sects, and ethnicities before refugees can return, and that Syria must belong to all Syrians.

She pointed out that Iran is one of the main parties violating Syrian sovereignty and that it is involved in the recent events on the coast, noting that her country called on the government to prosecute those responsible for the crimes and hold accountable those involved in the recent violence in the Syrian coastal provinces.

Regarding Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, Baerbock stressed the need for Israel to respect international law, noting that attacks on Syria and its territory threaten stability and violate international law.

She considered that there could be no common or secure future in Syria unless justice was achieved, noting that the scene of massive destruction in Jobar area was similar to many places across the country.

Baerbock clarified that Syrian citizens are suffering from a severe shortage of basic necessities, most importantly energy infrastructure, including electricity, adding that Germany wants to continue its support, especially in the energy sector, and that gradually reducing European sanctions could help the Syrian economy.

She stressed that it was necessary for the European Union to take gradual steps to ease sanctions in order to begin the reconstruction process.

Nisreeb Othman / Fedaa

Doha, SANA- Qatar’s national team achieved a stunning victory with a 5-1 win over DPR North Korea in the match that brought them together Thursday at Jassim bin Hamad Stadiumin in Doha, in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

This is the third win for the Qatari team in the third round, against one draw and three defeats. With this valuable victory, the Qatari team raised its score to 10 points, placing it in fourth place.

Qatar will meet Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday while North Korea face the UAE.

Fedaa

Yerevan, SANA-The Armenian government announced Thursday, reactivation of the Markara border crossing with Turkey, from March 21st to 31st, to facilitate transport of humanitarian aid to Syria, via Turkish territory.

The Armenian news agency Armenpress reported that the government’s decision came after working meetings between representatives of the relevant administrations of Armenia and Syria, where it was agreed to discuss ways to provide humanitarian aid directly from Armenia to Syria.

The resolution stipulates that “the adoption of this project responds to the need to transport humanitarian aid sent from the Republic of Armenia to the Syrian Arab Republic via land routes passing through Turkey.”

Fedaa

Aleppo, SANA- Aleppo Governor Eng. Azzam al-Gharib discussed Thursday, with French Special Envoy to Syria Jean-François Guillaume ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of reconstruction, infrastructure development, and humanitarian support.

During the meeting, mechanisms for enhancing French support for development projects in Aleppo were discussed, that contributing to stabilization, the resumption of operations of the French consulate in Aleppo was also discussed after the completion of ongoing renovation work, following its closure in 2012 due to the security situation at the time.

The two sides stressed the importance of developing bilateral relations in the coming period to serve the interests of the Syrian and French peoples.

Fedaa

Damascus-SANA-During his meeting today with the The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Resident Representative in Syria, Ghatfan Ajoub, the Acting Minister of Health, Maher al-Sharea, discussed the state of the health sector in Syria and ways to improve medical services.

During the meeting, held at the ministry building, the two sides discussed the mechanism for expanding the network’s activities in hospitals and health centers in Syria, in addition to working on medical education and training for health personnel.

Al-Sharea explained that a plan has been developed within the health sector, including health services and facilities, supporting medical and nursing specialties, and working to provide the best medical services to patients at the lowest cost.

Ajoub, for his part, emphasized that the network seeks to provide support to the health sector and work with the ministry to improve the medical services provided to patients, as part of several projects to be implemented in the coming period.

Ankara-SANA-The Turkish National Security Council stressed today its continued support for the efforts of the new administration in Syria to ensure peace and stability and to cleanse the country of terrorist organizations, Anadolu Agency quoted the council as saying in a statement issued after its meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The council indicated that provocations aimed at destabilizing Syria are being monitored, stressing the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and its unified identity with all its religious and ethnic components.

Damascus, SANA- Aleppo International Airport has resumed operations, as Cham Wings Airlines operated its first flights today, departing from Damascus International Airport.

“two flights a week (every Sunday and Thursday) between Damascus and Aleppo and vice versa,” the airline said in a statement.

The airline articulated that operating these flights is part of its strategy to facilitate travel between Damascus, Aleppo, Idleb, and the northern regions, and vice versa, and to overcome travel and transportation challenges. These flights will help travelers arriving from Europe, Turkey, and Jordan continue their journeys on the company’s airlines to reach these regions.

Aleppo International Airport reopened and resumed operations on March 18, following three months of intensive maintenance and restoration work.

Fedaa

Damascus, SANA- President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Thursday Germany delegation, headed by Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Vice-President of the European Parliament Armin Laschet.

Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani attended the meeting that took place at People’s Palace in the capital, Damascus.

Fedaa

Homs, SANA –Homs province organized on March 18, on the occasion of the Syrian revolution an exhibition of documentary photos, at al-Dablan neighborhood taken by 26 media professionals from Homs during the Syrian revolution.

Each photograph tells a story of heroism, courage, patience, and suffering experienced by the city’s residents and revolutionaries, particularly during the siege of the Old City, a collection of photographs documenting the post-liberation period is also included.

The exhibition also included photographs documenting the siege and starvation of the Old City, scenes of the suffering of the trapped inhabitants, as well as images of destruction, battles and martyrs, up to photos of liberation and victory.

Fedaa

Berlin, SANA- German Special envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, announced on Thursday, the reopening of German embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure.

In a post on his X platform page, Sheneck stated that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock officially reopened the German embassy in Syria Thursday, adding, “We are pleased to work closely with all Syrians for a better Syria.”

He pointed out that the embassy staff is still small, so visa and consular affairs will remain managed from Beirut for the coming period.

Nisreen Othman / Manar Salameh

Lattakia – SANA Governor of Lattakia, Mohammad Othman, met Wednesday with residents of Saqoubin and Sinjwan neighborhoods in northern Lattakia to discuss service-related issues and future projects aimed at improving infrastructure and overall development in the region.

Othman emphasized the importance of providing necessary support to enhance the living conditions of citizens and addressing their essential needs.

He stressed that the governorate is making significant efforts to stabilize the area and ensure citizens’ security.
The governor also highlighted ongoing coordination with security agencies to protect residents and provide a secure environment conducive to the region’s prosperity.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the best possible services to all areas and its continued efforts to promote stability and development across Lattakia.

Manar Salameh/Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANAـ Minister of Electricity, Engineer Omar Shaqrouq, explained that at the beginning of Ramadan, some power stations and turbines were serviced and put into operation, which led to an increase in power supply hours. He noted that the ministry’s plan, following the arrival of quantities of fuel oil, aims to increase supply hours to 8 hours per day.

In a press conference discussing the latest developments in the electricity sector and the importance of resuming gas supply to power stations, the Minister of Electricity stated: “We have a plan to ensure uninterrupted electricity for industrial cities 24 hours a day.”

He added that the increase in electricity supply will cover all governorates and that a plan has been put in place to support the grid with alternative energy.

The minister noted that it is not possible to provide electricity around the clock, as this would require 23 million cubic meters of gas and 5,000 tons of fuel oil daily.

Latifa Moummer /Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Damascus, SANA-The Central Bank of Syria announced that, in collaboration with the Damascus Governorate Police, it had seized counterfeit currency and uncovered unlicensed individuals and businesses conducting exchange and remittance activities.

The operation also led to the confiscation of counterfeit foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars and Saudi riyals. Citizens have been urged to avoid dealing with any unlicensed entities to prevent potential harm.

In a statement shared via its Telegram channel, the Central Bank’s Media Office stated: “The Bank’s judicial enforcement team, in cooperation with the Damascus Governorate Police, has apprehended individuals and businesses involved in unauthorized exchange and remittance activities. Counterfeit money, including foreign currencies, was seized, and the necessary legal proceedings have been initiated, referring the cases to the judiciary.”

The Media Office added: “The Bank calls upon citizens to refrain from engaging with any unlicensed entities, whether individuals or businesses, for financial exchange or remittance transactions. This is to ensure they are not harmed by counterfeit currencies, which are difficult to detect when dealing with these entities. Additionally, there is a risk of legal accountability if counterfeit currencies are found in their possession.”

Reem Abdulhameed / Ruaa al-Jazaeri

Monrovia – SANA The Tunisian national football team secured a valuable away victory over the Liberian team, winning 1-0 in a match held Wednesday as part of the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Hazem al-Mastouri scored the only goal of the match in the fourth minute. Tunisia now leads Group H with 13 points, while Liberia holds 7 points.

Ruaa al-Jazaeri