Syrian Arab Republic
Syria’s central bank opens lira account at Turkey’s central bank
In 2025, Ziraat Bank applied to open a branch in Syria. It is still awaiting a reply from local authorities to further the process.
ISTANBUL BLOG: Turkey probes TV presenter who called Syria’s al-Sharaa a “terrorist with a tie”
Dubious rise to the top is questioned. Watchdog says remarks “incompatible with foreign policy vision”.
Syria's Labby raises $10mn from Gulf investors in first foreign tech deal
Syrian super app Labby has raised $10mn from UAE and Saudi investors, in what officials call the first direct foreign investment in a Syrian technology startup. The ride-hailing and delivery platform was announced at a signing ceremony in Damascus.
Lebanese prime minister arrives in Iraq to advance Kirkuk-Tripoli pipeline talks
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam arrived in Baghdad to advance energy cooperation with Iraq, with the revival of the Kirkuk-Tripoli crude oil pipeline emerging as the centrepiece of talks.
Iraq's PM arrives in Tehran for high-level bilateral talks
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran on July 23 for an official visit to discuss bilateral cooperation, energy and regional developments.
Lebanon pursues dual-track diplomacy with Syria and Israel to reduce regional exposure
Beirut is engaging Damascus and Israel directly under a "zero problems" policy, signing a framework agreement with Israel and agreeing a joint committee with Syria. The Israeli track stays fragile.
PKK commemorates anniversary of weapon-destruction ceremony
Politico-militant group does-but-does-not exist, remains in peace talks with Turkey.
SunExpress expands Syria network with new Aleppo flights from August
SunExpress, the joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Germany's Lufthansa, will launch new flights to Aleppo in August as it resumes and expands operations across the Middle East
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Trump vows to remove Syria from terrorism list
US President Donald Trump said Syria had become "very stable" and confirmed that Washington would move to remove the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, following its decision to lift sanctions on Damascus.
Macron visits Damascus' Umayyad Mosque during landmark Syria trip
French President Emmanuel Macron visited the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on July 6 alongside Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa during his landmark visit to Syria.
Syria awards Zain second 5G mobile operating licence
Syria has awarded Zain Group the country's second mobile telecommunications licence, marking a major step in efforts to modernise the sector and expand fifth-generation (5G) services.
Bahrain hosts GCC-US meeting with Rubio on Iran deal, Hormuz
Bahrain has hosted a GCC meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manama, where Washington sought to reassure Gulf allies over the Iran deal, with Gulf states pressing for clarity on the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear and missile issues.
New initiative launched to redirect Gulf energy flows away from Strait toward Mediterranean
Syria envisioned as key cog in new energy distribution network.
Netanyahu calls Erdogan “antisemitic dictator” after Turkish leader says Israeli attacks “also threaten Turkey”
Trump says there won’t be military conflict between Israelis and Turks “while I am president”.
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Two large deals lift Damascus bourse turnover to SYP80.8mn
Trading on the Damascus Securities Exchange on June 3 was dominated by two large transactions worth more than SYP71.5mn ($646,800).
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Syrian central bank extends currency exchange deadline to end-July
The Central Bank of Syria (CBS) has extended the deadline for exchanging old Syrian banknotes by an additional 30 days, giving citizens and institutions more time to complete the currency replacement process.
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Terrorist attacks in Russia thwarted by joint work with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, says FSB director
Warns Afghanistan-based ISKP actively recruiting individuals across Central Asia and migrant workers in Russian locations.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: PKK renames itself Apoist Movement Management
Scores of names can be traced back to the 1970s Revolutionaries of Kurdistan.