BREAKING NEWS

Iraq to transport 220,000 tons of wheat to Syria as 'a gift,' Syrian state media says

 Iraq will transport 220,000 tons of wheat to the Syrian people as "a gift," reflecting the depth of relations between the two countries, Syrian media said on Friday, citing the director of the general organization for grains.

Syrian officials of the new Islamist-led government say that while imports of wheat and other basics are not subject to US and UN sanctions, challenges in securing financing for trade deals have deterred global suppliers from selling to Syria.