Syria will sell Russia crude oil and agricultural products such as olive oil as the two countries strengthen economic ties, state-run Al Thawra newspaper said, citing unidentified government officials.

A Syrian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil, who oversees the country’s economic affairs, recently visited Russia. Syria has asked its Soviet-era ally to provide a loan and air transportation to the rest of the world.

To contact the reporter on this story: Donna Abu-Nasr in Beirut at dabunasr@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew J. Barden at barden@bloomberg.net