LONDON(RAHNUMA): Syrian and Russian officials discussed the possibility of Moscow assisting in the development of Syria’s railway network as part of a collaborative effort to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure.
Syrian Transport Minister Yarub Badr on Thursday in Damascus had talks with Russian Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin, and Igor Levitin, an adviser to the Russian president and former transport minister.
The talks assessed the condition of Syria’s railway lines, the damage caused by the war, the estimated costs of rehabilitation, and technical requirements, including signaling, communications, and locomotive systems, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The two parties also discussed collaboration in maintenance, locomotive overhauls, and the potential supply of new locomotives. They explored proposals for joint projects, financing options, and a plan to connect the railway network with Tartous Port and phosphate mines to enhance logistics.
The meeting emphasized training local specialists through programs and scholarships at Russian universities to enhance Syrian-Russian cooperation in transport, SANA added.
