Novak: Russia and Qatar Discuss Providing Aid and Supporting Syria’s Energy Sector

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced during his visit to Damascus today, Tuesday, that Moscow and Doha are discussing providing humanitarian aid and rehabilitating Syria’s energy sector, which has been severely damaged due to the ongoing war for 13 years.

Novak pointed out that Russia is capable of leveraging its network of relationships in the Middle East to support the Syrian government, affirming that Moscow shares Damascus’s concerns regarding Israeli airstrikes.

Novak leads a high-level Russian delegation including representatives from several ministries, including defense, to discuss cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, and security. He also noted that his visit serves as preparation for an upcoming visit by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara`a to Moscow to attend the Russian-Arab summit.