Lavrov in Syria, Agrees with Al-Assad to Downplay US Sanctions

Hour ago, President of Syria Bashar Al-Assad affirmed his willing to enhance economic agreements and business deals with Russia to help his country overcome sanctions that undermine its economy.

Al-Assad's remarks came during a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Damascus this noon.

The Syrian president said that he wanted to see the success of Russian investments in key sectors of the economy  according to previous agreements between both countries.

On his part, Lavrov stressed that Syria needs international help to rebuild its economy.

Earlier this morning, Lavrov arrived in Damascus in his first visit to Syria in years. He was preceded yesterday evening by a Russian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov to hold talks with officials "on developing and strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields."

The visit of the Russian delegation includes conducting "economic" discussions with Syrian officials.

Earlier, diplomatic sources reported that the visit of the Russian delegation includes discussions to push the political process in the country, aiming to launch mechanisms to implement Resolution 2254 in all its details related to the constitutional amendment, the political transition process and preparation for elections.

The sources stressed that "this visit differs from all previous visits, because the decision was issued to launch the full economic aid track, within the framework of a comprehensive vision based on advancing the political track and bypassing all attempts to obstruct the completion of the political transition and the final settlement."

Lavrov's visit comes at a time when Syria is experiencing a stifling economic crisis and the devaluation of the currency, amid fears that it will be exacerbated by the recent sanctions imposed by Washington under the Caesar Act.

The sanctions, which affected the first package of 39 persons or entities, including Assad and his wife Asma, are the most severe against Syria. In July, Washington announced a new list of 14 additional entities and inpiduals, including Hafez (18 years), the eldest son of the Syrian president, and announced a third package last month.