Al-Khatieb: Syrian-Indian relations continuously booming
The Syrian Ambassador in New Delhi Bassam Al-Khatieb has stressed that India has been among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the earthquake in Syria, expressing confidence that bilateral relations between Syria and India are growing continuously to serve the interests of the people of both countries.
In a lecture he gave at the Indian International Center in New Delhi under the title “Syrian-Indian Relations…Past, Present and Future”, Al-Khatieb talked about the depth of the historical and cultural relations between Syria and India, pointing out that Syria means in the old Indian Sanskrit Language (the sun).
He hailed India’s stances which have supported Syria’s independence, territorial integrity and right to defend its rights and lands and fight terrorism and confront any foreign military intervention in its affairs.
He pointed out that most Arab countries want to restore normal ties with Syria.
On the talks between the Syrian government and opposition to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria, the Syrian diplomat said “we, in Syria, are seeking to find a solution, and we welcome any efforts in this regard.”
Al-Khatieb clarified that Syria is facing massive difficulties due to the war imposed on it, the American occupation of oil and gas-rich Syrian lands and the harsh unilateral American sanctions that affected all walks of life in the Syrian society.
Regarding the relations with Turkey, Al-Khatieb said “we don’t have any problems with the Turkish people, but President Recep Tayyib Erdogan has interfered in the Syrian affairs, supported extremist groups in Syria, armed the terrorists and sent them to the country to destroy it.”
The Syrian Ambassador called for opening an Indian Cultural Center and a center for teaching the Indian language and history in Damascus and for establishing a center for teaching Arabic language in India with the aim of enhancing cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Hamda Mustafa