ALEPPO, NOVEMBER 24, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. The Armenian ambassador to Syria Arshak Poladian on November 20-22 had meetings with the governor of Aleppo, the chairmen of Aleppo's chambers of commerce and industry, as well as with the head of Aleppo's Berio Tem and representatives of the Armenian Protestant and Armenian Catholic communities and members of the Armenian unions of Aleppo. The governor of Aleppo Tamir al-Hijeh and A. Poladian expressed conern that the trade and economic relations between the two countries do not correspond to the high level of political relations. The ambassador informed the governor of Aleppo that a delegation of the RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry arrives in Syria on November 23 in order to examine the ways and opportunities of developing the trade and economic relations between Armenia and Syria. The chairman of Aleppo's Chamber of Commerce Saleh al-Mallah expressed satisfaction over the warm friendly links and cooperation between Aleppo's Chamber of Commerce and the RA Consulate General. The interlocutors discussed issues related to trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting with the chairman of Aleppo's Chamber of Industry Muhammad Sharbati, at the request of the Syrian side the Armenian ambassador presented Armenia's economic, especially production opportunities, including the legislative field and the customs policy in this sector. NT was informed by the RA MFA Press and Information Department that a number of bilateral problems, as well as problems related to Armenia-Diaspora cooperation were discussed during the meeting with the head of Aleppo's Berio Tem (Diocese of Berea) and representatives of the Armenian unions of Aleppo. The ambassador spoke about the implementation of the program on development of Armenia's rural communities and said that he anticipates the Diaspora's active participation in other programs of strategic importance to Armenia.

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