Tuesday's meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus was very constructive and ways of further cooperation were outlined, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters.
"The meeting [with Bashar al-Assad] was very constructive. Based on the results of the meeting, ways of our further cooperation have been outlined," he said.
According to Borisov, the Russian side confirmed its consistent course to support all initiatives of the Syrian side. "We have a full understanding of the issues of politics, economy and Syria's future. We will do our best to convert our joint military successes in the fight against terrorism into a stable economic situation for the benefit of the prosperity of the entire Syrian people as quickly as possible," the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said.
Economic agreement between Russia and Syria
In addition, Borisov said that an agreement between Russia and Syria in the sphere of trade and economic relations will be signed at the XIII meeting of the intergovernmental commission.
"The agreement should be signed at the XIII session of the intergovernmental commission. The agreement will have a long-term strategic character and will cover all the spheres of our trade and economic cooperation. First of all, it is interaction in the field of industry, energy, related to the restoration of critical infrastructure in Syria," he said.
According to Borisov, the agreement will also regulate the interaction between the ministries of the two countries. "We have found mutual understanding on almost all problematic issues. The degree of readiness of this agreement is very high," the Russian deputy prime minister said.
The XIII meeting of the intergovernmental commission will be held in Syria. The dates will be determined later.
Modernization of the Tartus port
Borisov said the modernization of the Tartus port will allow Syria to increase trade turnover, primarily exports to other countries.
"Serious modernization of this facility is planned, the construction of the necessary facilities, including for the storage of perishable goods. I think that gradual development of the port will help to increase the turnover of goods, especially export from Syria to Russia and other countries," he said.
Borisov noted that the signed agreement on the lease of the port of Tartus by the Russian side is very important in terms of organizing logistics, various kinds of transportation, export of goods from Syria and to Syria.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Press Service of the Russian Foreign Ministry / TASS
Based on materials from TASS