Syrian president lays foundation for development projects in Homs

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa laid on Friday the foundation stones for two major development projects, Avenue Homs and Victory Boulevard, in Homs, central Syria, and met community leaders, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The Victory Boulevard project aims to create an integrated urban area with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, including a public park, modern market, and infrastructure facilities.

No specific details were provided about the Avenue Homs project.

In Homs, Sharaa met local notables, emphasizing the state’s commitment to direct engagement with citizens and addressing their aspirations.

He also visited Hama, meeting its community leaders and highlighting their role in strengthening national unity, social cohesion, and supporting Syria’s development and reconstruction.

The visits mark a significant step toward initiating Syria’s reconstruction phase, particularly in areas devastated by the war launched by ousted Bashar al-Assad regime in March 2011. Syria’s third largest city Homs had been at the center of the anti-government protest movement.

Assad fled to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

A new transitional administration led by President Sharaa was formed in January.