Syrian, Austrian officials discuss refugee relief. DAMASCUS: Syrian and Austrian officials discussed consular cooperation and issues concerning Syrian refugees in Austria during talks in Damascus. Mohammed Yaqoub Al-Omar, director of the Consular Affairs Department at Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, met with Christoph Weidinger, chargé d’affaires of the Austrian Embassy. The talks focused on ways to strengthen consular relations between Syria and Austria and improve coordination on issues of mutual interest. The two.