Flight operations resumed at the Damascus International Airport in Syria's capital on Wednesday, following the recent fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's administration earlier this month.
A Syrian Airlines plane carrying passengers from Damascus landed in Aleppo of northern Syria, marking the first flight between the two cities days after the airport ceased flights.
"Today we are starting with an internal flight. Preparations at the Damascus airport are in full swing, including departments like immigration and civil aviation, to welcome Syrians living abroad who have fled the country, stayed displaced and want to return," said Saad Kheri Beik, operation manager of the Damascus International Airport, told reporters at the airport Wednesday.
Among the changes at the airport is the display of the Syrian flag, which has been switched from the previous two-star flag to a new one featuring three stars.
Currently there are still no international flights scheduled at the airport, given the uncertain security conditions across Syria.
Syria's border crossings remain closed as the newly-formed transitional government is trying to roll out new measures for the entry of both Syrians and foreigners.
A militant alliance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group waged a major offensive from northern Syria on Nov 27 and had since swept southwards through areas held by al-Assad's government. Following territorial gains, including the capture of the capital Damascus, the alliance declared the end of al-Assad's rule on Dec 8.
Damascus International Airport reopens for domestic flights after Assad's fall
Youths in China's Macao Special Administrative Region are flowing with the genes of Chinese cultural inheritance, displaying deep-rooted patriotism and upholding the core value of "loving the motherland, loving Macao" in the process of pursuing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and long-term prosperity of Macao.
As Macao gears up to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland, young people there are increasingly feeling a deep connection with the country.
A history and cultural center was recently opened at Kao Yip Middle School in Macao, themed "Country, Family, and World".
The venue uses various technologies to highlight the historical connections between Macao and the motherland, deepening students' understanding of both Macao and the motherland.
"Seeing our country become so powerful today, we as the new generation should love our country, love Macao, study hard, develop our unique skills to serve society, and contribute to the nation," said Wong Chi-heng, a student of at Kao Yip Middle School.
Since Macao's return to the motherland on December 20, 1999, the region has actively promoted patriotism among its youth.
This includes ensuring that all schools hold flag-raising ceremonies and play the national anthem regularly, while fostering a sense of national identity through curricula, textbooks, and teacher training.
The establishment of "patriotic education bases" and the introduction of Chinese history textbooks have ensured that patriotism remains a core part of education.
"This year, we revised our curriculum framework to incorporate crucial elements such as the Constitution, the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, and education about Chinese history, further strengthening patriotism education," said Gong Zhiming, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao SAR.
Exchanges with the Chinese mainland have also allowed many Macao youths to experience the nation's progress firsthand.
In August, Un Sok-kei, chairman of the General Association of Chinese Students of Macao, led 40 university students from Macao to Jiuquan in northwest China's Gansu Province, where a satellite launch center is located. This experience deepened her sense of responsibility.
"When I put on the astronaut's suit there, I could feel its weight and significance. It motivated me to unleash our spirit to contribute to the country," she said.
The country's push for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is providing more opportunities for entrepreneurship and growth. From the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, a part of Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province, to innovation platforms across the GBA, many young Macao entrepreneurs are seizing these opportunities to fuel their dreams.
"I hope to work alongside more Macao youth and other ambitious individuals in the GBA and the In-Depth Cooperation Zone to embrace the opportunities provided by the country and create a brighter future for ourselves," said Wong Chi-choi, a Macao entrepreneur.
Patriotism takes roots in hearts of Macao youths
