Moallem, Ryabkov Discussed Syrian-Russian Relations, Syria Completed Transfer of Chemicals

DAMASCUS,(ST)_, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid al-Moallem discussed with Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Federation today ways to enhance bilateral relations and Syria’s completion of its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention after the recent transfer of last shipment of chemicals outside Syria.

Al-Moallem expressed deep thanks and gratitude for the Russian government and people over the principled position on what is happening in Syria, adding that the biggest risk facing the region is the threat of terrorism, which requires the international community concerted efforts to combat it.

 For his part, Ryabkov congratulated the Syrian people over the success of the presidential elections and the election of President Bashar al-Assad.

 He conveyed to al-Moallem message from his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, congratulating him on the success of the Syrian government in the completion the transfer of the Syrian chemical weapons out of the country, describing this act as an unprecedented process in terms of its circumstances, size and time-frame.

Earlier in the day, Ryabkov held talks with Dr. Faisal al-Miqdad Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates centered on the success of Syria in the completion of its obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, praising the close cooperation between Syria and Russia in this regard.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest between the two countries.

On the Syrian side, the meeting was attended by Dr. Faisal al-Miqdad Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hussam El Din Ala. Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, and the Russian side was attended by Sergei Vershinin, Director of the Middle East and the Russian embassy charge d’affaires in Damascus.

T. Fateh