MOSCOW, April 18. /TASS/. Syrian President Bashar Assad is ready to offer preferential treatment to Russian companies that are going to get on board to rebuild Syria’s war-ravaged infrastructure, Russian Federation Council Deputy Speaker Andrei Turchak said Wednesday, adding that the country’s leader estimates the required funds at no less than $400 bln.
"On Sunday, a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad was held and the head of state confirmed his willingness to provide Russian companies ready to participate in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure with all necessary preferences. He estimates that the restoration of Syria will take from 10 to 15 years, according to his personal calculations, and will require at least $400 bln," the senator stated.
Turchak believes investments in the country’s economy should not be delayed.
"I can say that the meeting and the talks painted a clear picture of the economic and investment situation. If we [Russia] are not the first in Syria, then Iran and China will immediately take our place, they are ready for that," he stressed.