MOSCOW, June 22. /TASS/. Russia and Syria are working to develop tourism between the countries as part of bilateral economic cooperation, Syrian Ambassador to Moscow Riyad Haddad said.

"It should be noted that the Syrian people are ready to receive Russian friends with open arms, as the excellent relations between our countries are not limited exclusively to the political level," he said in an interview with Izvestia newspaper on Wednesday.

He also added that Syria is full of tourist attractions, the country has a mild climate and beautiful weather most days of the year. "And so Syria is the most suitable destination for Russian tourists who want to visit a friendly country and meet loving people," Riyad Haddad said.

Earlier, the Syrian delegation took part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). On the eve of the forum Riyad Haddad told TASS that his country is interested in increasing the level of economic relations with Russia.

On January 18, 2022, the Crimean Ministry of Resorts and Tourism and the Syrian Tourism Ministry signed an agreement on cooperation, implying the development of event, religious, cultural, educational, environmental and medical tourism.