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Syria interested in buying many types of Russian weaponry — diplomat

The Russian ambassador said the issue is being discussed by relevant state agencies and companies

Russia’s ambassador in Damascus, Alexander Kinshchak Valery Sharifulin/TASS

Russia’s ambassador in Damascus, Alexander Kinshchak

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

MOSCOW, July 19. /TASS/. Syria has demonstrated interest in purchasing many types of Russian-made weaponry, Russia’s ambassador in Damascus, Alexander Kinshchak, told reporters on Thursday.

The ambassador said the issue is being discussed by relevant state agencies and companies.

"They are interested in a number of our items, in modern Russian-made products," the diplomat said. "This matter is being discussed both at the level of relevant government agencies and with the participation of companies."

He said that defense cooperation between Russia and Syria is marred by two problems.

"Firstly, it’s the lack of financing, limited financial possibilities of Syrian contractors. Besides, our economic operators worry about revealing their presence at the Syrian market and therefore, being hit with Western sanctions as a result. The sanctions, albeit illegal, are a reality if you have assets in Europe or the United States. That’s why this has become an objective sticking point," Kinshchak said.

"There are many things [in defense cooperation] that we prefer to keep out of the public eye, but, nevertheless, the dynamic is still good. The results are going to be good fairly soon," he added.

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