Syria to include Russian as second foreign language in education

Syria's Education Ministry announced Monday to include Russian as a second foreign language in the country's education system starting next year.

The move, announced by Minister of Education Hazwan al-Waz, highlights the strong relations between Damascus and Moscow.

According to al-Waz, students will have to choose between French and Russian beside English in secondary schools.

"In the next academic year, the ministry's preparations for teaching the Russian language in schools will be finished, including preparing curriculums and teachers," al-Waz told local media on Monday.

Moscow is Damascus' main ally. The powerful country has shielded Syria in the UN Security Council with vetoes against West- proposed measures that could have opened the door for foreign intervention in its long-running crisis.