On October 24, 2020, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II received Mr. Nikolay Sukhov, Head of the Russian Cultural Center in Damascus and Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Damascus, accompanied by a delegation from the Cultural Center, at Mor Aphrem Monastery in Maarat Saydnaya.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of Eastern USA, and Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Vicar in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, were present in the meeting.

During the meeting, His Holiness and his guests spoke about encouraging tourists to visit Syria to get to know its rich history, civilization and culture. His Holiness spoke of the impact of the crisis on the Syrian people who are suffering due to the sanctions imposed on Syria. In turn, Mr. Sukhov emphasized the support of Russia to the people of Syria in many areas and fields, especially in education and culture.