His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri address a gathering of media at the Prime Minister’s office after the signing of the three agreements of collaboration between AKDN and the Government of Syria. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte

Dr Adib Mayaleh, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria (right) and Mr Jean Lorenz Ehrentrant, Chief Executive Officer of the First Microfinance Institution (FMFI), exchange agreements after a signing which recognises the FMFI as the first microfinance institution to operate in the country. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte

Dr Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education, and Mr Firoz Rasul, President of Aga Khan University, sign an agreement to further develop the healthcare sector in the country. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte

Mr. Mahmud Janmohamed, Managing Director of Tourism Promotion Services (TPS) and Dr Bishr Mazen Al-Sabban, the Governor of Damascus, sign an agreement announcing the investment of approximately $20 million towards the building of a 5-star hotel that will involve the restoration and adaptation of three houses in Old Damascus. - Photo: SANA