March 2010Issue No. 59
Oil production to fall by 9 percent by 2025
Crude oil production is expected to decline by around 9 percent over the next 15 years, figures released by the government on February 3 reveal.
Anadolu Jet launches first Ankara-Damascus direct route
Turkish budget carrier Anadolu Jet launched the first direct flight from Ankara to Damascus on February 27.
Turkey’s Isbank to enter Syrian market
Isbank, one of the oldest and largest banks in Turkey, is to open a representative office in Syria before the end of the year.
New model Hyundai Sonata launched
February saw the launch of two new car models in Damascus.
Subsidies bill falls by 96 percent
Syria’s oil subsidies bill fell by 96 percent last year, according to figures released by Mahrukat last month. Declining oil prices and increased retail prices were behind the fall.
Audi Syria celebrates first female principal dealer in the Middle East
An Audi Syria employee has become the first female in the Middle East to graduate from the Audi Management Academy.
Syria not benefiting equally from Arab Trade Finance Programme
Syria signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Trade Finance Programme (ATFP) on February 6.
MTN rolls out 4th generation mobile technology
MTN Syria will install a new radio transmission system across the country, it announced on February 17.
BMW Gran Turismo rolls into showrooms
The official launch of the new model BMW Gran Turismo took place on February 23.
Syria considers nuclear energy: Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad said it was "important" for Damascus to consider a civilian nuclear energy programme.
Syria mulls renewed Turkey-brokered peace talks: President Bashar al-Assad and visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu discussed the prospects of resuming indirect talks between Syria and Israel.
Iraqi refugees vote in Syria: Twenty-three stations set up in Syria for the Iraqi election.
Iraqi VP in Damascus: Iraqi Vice President has arrived in Damascus for a 3-day visit ahead of the March 7 elections.
Iran and Syria warn of colonialism: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said US policy on Iran was a new form of colonialism in the Middle East during his meeting with the Iranian president.
US lifts travel advisory: US lifts travel advisory warning citizens about security concerns in Syria.
Syria dismisses IAEA calls: Syria has dismissed an IAEA recommendation to allow its inspectors unrestrained access, days after the agency said a bombed Syrian complex could have been a nuclear site.
French PM visits Damascus: French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said he held "frank and direct" talks with Syria's president on the issue of human rights.
Possible nuclear activity at bombed site: Uranium particles found at a Syrian desert complex bombed by Israel in 2007 point to possible covert nuclear activity at the site, the IAEA said.
Top US officials visit Syria: Syrian president meets with Under Secretary of State William Burns while senior US counter terrorism official Daniel Benjamin holds talks with local counterparts.
Turkey and Iraq restart rail link:The first passenger train from Iraq, running through Syria and into Turkey, arrives in Gaziantep.
Syria approves US ambassador: Deputy US ambassador to Iraq Robert Stephen Ford to take up post.
Crude oil production is expected to decline by around 9 percent over the next 15 years, figures released by the government on February 3 reveal.
Turkish budget carrier Anadolu Jet launched the first direct flight from Ankara to Damascus on February 27.
February saw the launch of two new car models in Damascus.
An Audi Syria employee has become the first female in the Middle East to graduate from the Audi Management Academy.
MTN Syria will install a new radio transmission system across the country, it announced on February 17.
The official launch of the new model BMW Gran Turismo took place on February 23.
