Plans include and expansion of the Martyr Bassel al-Assad International Airport

At the directive of President Bashar Assad, Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi on Thursday laid the foundation stones to inaugurate a number of vital development projects in the coastal province of Latakia at a cost of approximately 4 billion SP.

The projects included the al-Kabo power station at an overall costy of 1.4 billion SP and the cornerstone of the Youth Residence, worth 2.4 billion SP was also laid.

Halqi toured the halls and departments at Martyr Bassel al-Assad International Airport and ordered that its services for passengers be improved at an overall cost of 150 million SP.

He also inspected Jablet mill, textile companies in Latakia and the marble, granite and metals' companies in the province.

In a statement to journalists, Halqi said that his tour comes in the context of interaction with citizens and inspecting the service and development projects of concern to citizens.

He said that the plans to expand Martyr Bassel al-Assad Airport will be carried out within six months, indicating that it is "an emergency phase to cope with the growing numbers of passengers." The overall cost of the project is estimated at 500 billion SP.

Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer