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Damascus to give preference to Russian companies in economic projects — foreign minister

Walid Muallem says one Russian company has already signed a respective contract, and Syrian authorities expect that other companies will follow suit

Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister Walid Muallem Alexander Shalgin/Russian State Duma Press Office/TASS

Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister Walid Muallem

© Alexander Shalgin/Russian State Duma Press Office/TASS

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MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Syrian authorities expect Russian companies to participate in development of oil fields in Syria, the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Walid Muallem at a meeting with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

Muallem said a decision has been taken "to give preference to Russian companies in economic projects in Syria, especially in construction and revival of the country and oil production." "We have information that offshore oil and gas fields off the Syrian coast have huge potential," the minister added.

He also said one Russian company has already signed a respective contract, and Syrian authorities expect that "other companies will follow suit as we’re ready to grant any benefits to Russian companies."

"Hopefully, not only Russian war-craft but also oil platforms will be present off the Syrian coasts," the minister said.

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