Damascus, Aug. 16 (SANA)The resumption of direct flights betweenMoscowand Damascus will strengthen cooperation betweenSyriaandRussiaand expand exchanges in business, science and culture, Russian Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus Zaur Guseinov said Sunday.

Speaking following the arrival of the first Syrian Airlines flight from Moscow atDamascus International Airportfollowing the resumption of direct services, Guseinov described the move as “an important event.”

He said regular flights would help strengthenSyrian-Russian cooperationacross various sectors while creating new opportunities for delegation exchanges, closer coordination and greater contacts among business, scientific and cultural communities.

Guseinov said thousands of Syrian students are currently studying at Russian universities, adding that direct air services would help reduce their travel time and transportation costs.

He reaffirmed Russia’s support for Syria’s prosperity, the well-being of its people and the country’s unity, noting that diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1944.

Guseinov said Russia’s relations with Syria were guided by the interests of the Syrian people and based on friendship and mutually beneficial partnership.

The firstSyrian Airlinesflight from Moscow arrived at Damascus International Airport on Sunday, restoring direct air links between the two countries and expanding travel options as Syria works to rebuild its regional and international aviation connections.kA.ABD