Financial protocol between France and Syria

A financial protocol will be signed between Syria and France on November 19 in Paris. The protocol, worth 150 million francs, will be used in financing 6 projects in the field of irrigation, electricity, and the advanced technologies. Diplomatic sources in Syria said that this protocol is the first to be agreed upon after Syrian debts to France were settled.

The Syrian ambassador to France, Dr. Elias Negma, had exerted great efforts in preparation for these negotiations.

French President Jacques Chirac announced this protocol during his visit to Damascus in October 1996. This protocol comes within the efforts to improve Syrian - French relations since Chirac came to office.