Syria forms new government to boost economy

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree to reshuffle certain cabinet posts amid efforts made to improve the economy of the war-torn Arab country.

The new cabinet, which was announced on Sunday, included key figures from previous cabinets such as Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and Interior Minister Ibrahim al-Shaar.

Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij retained his post while Adib Mayalleh, a former central bank governor, was named minister of economy and foreign trade.

Mayalleh is known in Syria for his efforts in defending the local currency after its sharp decline against the US dollar in recent years.

The reshuffle comes more than two months after Syrians voted in parliamentary elections. Assad appointed Electricity Minister Imad Khamis on June 22 as prime minister, tasking him with forming a new government.

SS