Syria and Iran sign ‘strategic’ economic agreement

Syria and Iran signed 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding late Monday, including a “long-term strategic economic cooperation” deal aimed at strengthening cooperation between Damascus and one of its key allies in the civil war that has torn the country apart.

The 11 deals and memoranda of understanding signed on Monday covered fields including the economy, culture, education, infrastructure, investment and housing.

They were signed during the visit of Iran’s First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri to the Syrian capital.

Military pact signed in August

Iran and Syria had already signed a military cooperation agreement in August while Tehran has supported Damascus economically during the conflict through oil deliveries and several lines of credit.

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The civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

It has also taken an enormous toll on the Syrian economy and infrastructure, with the United Nations estimating the cost of war-related destruction at about $400 billion.