Syria for Expanding Relations with Iran under New Leadership- Halqi
DAMASCUS,(ST)_ During his meeting on Sunday with Hassan Kazemi Qumi Special Advisor to the Iranian Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs and members of the accompanying delegation , prime minister Dr. Wael al-Halqi stressed solid and strategic relations between Syria and Iran in all fields, noting “Syria’s desire to expand relations with Iran to wider spaces under the new Iranian leadership.
On behalf of the Syrian government , and people the prime minister conveyed to Mr. Kazemi congratulations for the Iranian leadership and people for the great success of the Iranian presidential elections, describing it as “a true reflection of real democracy in eliminating all challenges and proving unity and cohesion of the Iranian people with the political and spiritual leadership to place Iran in the ranks of developed countries economically, scientifically and developmentally and militarily to face all challenges. “
He noted the importance of developing economic and trade relations between the two countries by activating signed agreements , expanding inter-trade base to include securing food supplies for the Syrian people , especially flour, medicines , oil derivatives and energy carriers .
For his part, Kazemi stressed that the visit of the Iranian economic delegation to Syria immediately after the elections are “a strong message to the world that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s new leadership will be along with Syria, as an ally and supporter as it has always been, at all levels.”
He also stressed that the Iranian side will implement development projects in Syria, especially in the field of mills and electric power as well as supplying Syria with needed basic materials.
The two sides discussed necessary mechanisms to develop bilateral economic relations and identify priorities for the two sides to continue this cooperation in various fields . Also discussed were ways to implement set agreements in the fields of petroleum, electricity, medicine, banking and health.
The two sides agreed ,during the meeting, to form committees to further discuss the agreements and overcome the obstacles encountering their implementation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs , and the ministers of health, oil and mineral resources and the Cabinet Secretary ,the Governor of Central Bank of Syria , the Iranian ambassador in Damascus and other senior officials concerned.
In a statement to reporters after the meeting, The Cabinet Secretary Teiser Zouby said the participants in the meeting discussed agreements pertinent to securing Hospitals needs of medical equipment and chronic diseases drugs and the needs of the electricity sector and power generation, noting that the Iranian side will continue to develop Gandar electricity by adding 300 megawatts to meet the needs of the country ‘s provinces.
T. Fateh