Bilateral Relations: Iran opens two more factories in Syria

Iran has opened two factories in Syria boosting business and political links between the two countries. President Bashar Al Assad and Iranian Industry Minister Aliakbar Mehrabian opened a $50m Saipa vehicle assembly plant near the city of Homs and a 1.1 million tonne a year cement factory developed by Ehdasse Sanat Corporation on the outskirts of Hamah.

“These factories and the presence of our Iranian brothers are a response to what some have tried to spread about tension in relations between Iran and Syria,” Assad said. “They’re another cornerstone of our strategic ties.”

In March, Assad opened a factory for Iran’s Khodro, the Middle East’s biggest car maker, in an industrial city north of Damascus. Khodro produces Peugeot models and Renault Logans in Iran.