VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta: Ambassador of Syria to Indonesia Abdulmonem Annan said that recovery is underway for Syria following the earthquake that hit the country in February.

The ambassador spoke to VOI News on Monday in commemoration of Syrian Independence Day, also known as Evacuation Day, noting the day when the occupying French troops left their posts in Syrian territory.

“We are very thankful to the Government of Indonesia and the friendly people of Indonesians for their material, financial, and emotional support to the victims of the earthquake,” Annan said during the interview.

“We are now coping with the aftermath of the disaster, and we need a lot of assistance. We are a country that has been crippled by 15 years of sanctions, and it's difficult to address the impacts with effective and holistic planning. No country can manage this alone without international assistance,” he said.

The earthquake, which also hit Turkey, destroyed 2/3 of the buildings, causing people to live in shelter centers donated by international aid agencies and halting formal education for children.

“We hope the sanctions are lifted soon so we can receive help to reconstruct the country,” he said.

On another note, the ambassador wants to improve diplomatic relations with Indonesia. He claimed that he is dissatisfied with the current level.

“We have so many cultural proximities and affiliations. Our potential trade value could reach $1 billion. Right now it's at around $150 million, this is a very modest number,” Annan said.

He wishes to focus on the relations, especially in the religion and education sectors. (VOI)