Syrian Political, Economic Delegation in Tehran

The Syrian-Iranian Joint Economic Committee met in Damascus in April. (SANA)
The Syrian-Iranian Joint Economic Committee met in Damascus in April. (SANA)
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Syrian Political, Economic Delegation in Tehran

The Syrian-Iranian Joint Economic Committee met in Damascus in April. (SANA)
The Syrian-Iranian Joint Economic Committee met in Damascus in April. (SANA)

A Syrian political and economic delegation headed by Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad began a visit to Tehran. The visit, which will last for several days, aims to follow up on the agreements signed during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Syria in May.

In a statement, the Iranian embassy in Damascus said the delegation includes the ministers of Economy and Foreign Trade, Mohammad Samer Al-Khalil, and Communications and Technology, Iyad Al-Khatib.

The visit comes amid news of Iran’s intention to establish an Iranian free zone in central Syria to boost Iranian investments and strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

The meetings of the Joint Economic Committee in Tehran, which will last until the end of this week, will follow up on the implementation of 15 memorandums of understanding that were signed during Raisi’s visit. They cover a variety of sectors, including energy, agriculture, free zones, communications and others.

Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Issa Zarepour announced last week that Iran will help Syria in the manufacture of communication satellites.

Moreover, the head of the Syrian-Iranian Joint Chamber of Commerce, Fahd Darwish, revealed in press statements a plan to establish an Iranian free zone in central Syria with the aim of “fostering the Iranian investment environment in Syria” and promoting the bilateral economic ties.

“Free zones are among the most important tributaries of the national economy of countries, and a basis for investments and platforms for import and export,” he stated.

The Syrian president and his Iranian counterpart had signed a memorandum of understanding for comprehensive and long-term strategic cooperation, as well as an MoU related to free zones and minutes of a meeting for cooperation in the field of railways and civil aviation.



Houthi Attack Sees Explosions Near Ship in Red Sea

Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Houthi Attack Sees Explosions Near Ship in Red Sea

Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

A suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi militias saw multiple explosions strike near a vessel traveling through the Red Sea on Tuesday, though no damage was immediately reported by the ship.

A vessel in the southern reaches of the Red Sea, about 130 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, reported the attack, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.

No one was wounded on board in the blasts, and the ship was continuing on its journey, the UKMTO added.

The Houthis have targeted more than 90 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They seized one vessel and sank two in the campaign, which also killed four sailors.

Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels as well.