In an interview with valdaiclub.com following the meeting with Syrian Parliament Chairwoman Hadiya Abbas as part of an expert discussion titled “Syria: Results of the Fight Against Terrorism and Prospects of Political Settlement,” members of the People’s Council of the Syrian Arab Republic Ammar al-Assad and Ousama Mustafa talk about the negotiations process and the economic future of Syria.
According to Ammar al-Assad, the recent US airstrike against the Syrian air base is a much bigger statement on the US’ true position on Syria than Donald Trump’s previous words about readiness for a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
“We always judge US administrations’ policies not by what they say, but by what they do. Because during election campaign they say one thing, and when they win, they say something else,” al-Assad said.
Replying to a question regarding the future of the Astana peace talks’ process, al-Assad noted that consultations are still going on and the Syrian government continues to support dialogue and a political solution to the crisis.
“We always emphasize that we support dialogue, so that those who participate in this dialogue followed the wishes of the Syrian people and not foreigners,” he added.
Member of the People’s Council and President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Damascus Countryside Ousama Mustafa talked about Syria’s needs during reconstruction after the conflict. He noted that Syria needs infrastructure aid, particularly in electricity generation and rebuilding electric dams on the Euphrates river.
Discussing prospects of trade relations, Mustafa noted the relevance of agricultural trade. “We buy grain and some petroleum products from Russia, and also export fabrics to Africa, Iran and Russia. Right now we have a big citrus harvest, which we are also trying to export. Before the EU forced sanctions unto Syria, Syrian products also reached most European countries,” Mustafa said.
Mustafa also noted that EU sanctions against Syria and Western countries’ support for forces fighting against Syrian government forces will impact Syria’s future economic interests. Before all others, Syria plans to orient its economic ties toward countries that supported the legitimate government.
“I think that after the crisis is over, trade relations will be primarily with our friends, such as Russia, Iran and China, because these are real friends, who stood with the Syrian people in this complicated, difficult time, and supported us. Because of this, I think that economic cooperation should be with these countries, as well as BRICS countries,” he concluded.
