Syria reaffirms preferential contracts for Russian businesses to rebuild war-torn country

Prime Minister of Syria Imad Khamis, who met with a delegation from Moscow in Damascus, has promised favorable conditions for Russian companies operating in the country.

According to Dmitry Sablin, coordinator of the Russian State Duma group in charge of ties with Syria, the sides have discussed the social and economic development of Russian and Syrian regions. “We focused on problems… linked to logistics and the banking sector. We discussed how to rebuild Syria on mutually beneficial conditions,” he said.

The official added: “We saw Eastern Ghouta with our own eyes. There is a colossal amount of work and experience is required [here], and Russia has this sort of experience.”

Syrian President Bashar Assad said during his meeting with the Russian diplomats that $400 billion will be required to restore the country’s economy.

“An important issue is the restoration of infrastructure. That will cost no less than $400 billion and will take from 10 to 15 years,” Sablin quoted Assad as saying.

Assad said he does not expect Western oil and gas companies to work in the country. “We are not waiting for Western companies here, especially in the oil and gas sphere. I spoke about that with President Vladimir Putin in Sochi. We want Russian companies to work here, and we expect their fast market entry.”

The Syrian president added: “Our cooperation must counter the aggressive policy pursued by the West. Syria will continue its development taking no notice of the West’s actions.”

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