Syria, Saudis sign joint airline and telecoms deals

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed deals Saturday that include a joint airline and a $1-billion project to develop telecommunications, officials said.

Syrian Investment Authority chief Hilali announced a series of deals including "a low-cost Syrian-Saudi airline aimed at strengthening regional and international air links". The agreement also includes the development of a new international airport in the northern city of Aleppo, and redeveloping the existing facility. Hilali also announced an agreement for a project called SilkLink to develop Syria's "telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity".