Within the framework of the High ranking meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Belgrade marking NAM’s 60th Foundation Anniversary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Al-Mikdad held talks with heads of some delegations participating in this meeting.
Al-Mikdad met the Foreign Minister of Angola Tete Antonio and discussed with him means of enhancing solidarity and coordination between NAM’s member states at multi-lateral international forums.
The two sides affirmed the need to boost cooperation between Syria and Angola in different fields.
Antonio expressed his country’s solidarity with Syria in its war on terrorism, expressing concern over the spread of terrorism in the African continent.
Moreover, during his meeting with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershnin, Al-Mikdad stressed the importance of the achievements made thanks to the Syrian-Russian cooperation in different domains, pointing out that Russia’s participation in the NAM’s Belgrade meeting as an observer strengthens the effectiveness of this movement.
The two sides asserted the need to implement the recommendations agreed on by President Bashar Al-Assad and President Vladimir Putin during their recent meeting in Moscow.
In addition, Al-Mikdad’s meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa Alvin Botes focused on friendship ties between Syria and South Africa and on reactivating the joint committee for cooperation.
The Syrian top diplomat thanked South Africa for supporting Syria in its war on terrorism during its Security Council’s presidency term, noting the challenges facing Syria due to the Turkish, American and Israeli occupation and due to the unilateral coercive measures imposed by western countries on the Syrian people.
Al-Mikdad also held a meeting with Somalia’s Minister of Trade and Industry Khalif Abdi Omar during which the two sides stressed their keenness on deepening their relations. Al-Mikdad reiterated Syria’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Al-Mikdad also met with Eritrea’s Othman Saleh and discussed with him the situation in the Horn of Africa and means of enhancing security and stability there.
Saleh expressed his country’s keenness on consolidating its political, economic and cultural ties with Syria, stressing the importance of mutual support at international and regional organizations.
Hamda Mustafa