Damascus, June 19 (SANA)Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport said talks with German authorities on restoring air links between the two countries had made significant progress, raising the prospect of direct flights resuming after years of suspension.

Omar Hosari, head of the authority, said on Friday that technical and official contacts with German counterparts had advanced considerably and that a final decision from the German side was expected during the first half of next month.

Hosari said the authority was preparing for an official visit toGermanyto finalize technical and legal discussions and sign bilateral air transport cooperation aimed at regulating air traffic and strengthening long-term collaboration between the two countries.

He added that the authority was also holding talks with several other European countries on restoring direct air links, noting that some discussions had reached advanced stages and that positive results could be announced soon.

Hosari reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to international civil aviation standards, saying the move would support travel, trade and economic exchange.

On March 30, theSyrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transportsigned an air transport cooperation agreement with Germany during President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s official visit to the country.F.J./ABD