| 20 Oct 2009 |
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Syria and Finland, Mutual Desire for Bolstering Bilateral Cooperation
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Damascus - The upcoming visit of President of Finland Tarja Halonen to Damascus, which will begin on Wednesday, comes in the framework of bolstering bilateral cooperation between the two countries and improving relations on all levels.
In an interview with SANA, Ambassador of Finland in Damascus Harri Maki-Reinikka said the visit of the Finnish President to Damascus is an important step in the history of relations between the two countries, and that it will discuss cooperation in various fields such as avoiding double taxation, protecting and encouraging investments, visas, and tourism.
The ambassador described Syrian-Finnish relations as good, saying "there are no problems between Syria and Finland... relations between the two countries will become deeper following the visit."
Maki-Reinikka pointed out that the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Parliament of Finald visited Syria last January, in addition to a visit by the Finnish Foreign Minister in May and a visit by the Minister of European Union and Immigration Affairs in September.
"Finland considers Syria's role to be pivotal and very important if we are thinking about establishing comprehensive peace in the Middle East... Syria is a main and active player at all times in achieving this peace," the ambassador said.
He also noted that 2009 witnessed remarkable development in bilateral relations, expecting that these relations will intensify in the future, particularly in the economic field since both countries have considerable work opportunities.
On cultural relations, Maki-Reinikka said the Finnish Institute in Damascus is working constantly to bolster cultural and scientific relations, noting that there are several Finnish students studying Arabic at the Institute. He also added that 14 Finnish artists visited Syria last year to participate in various activities, expressing anticipation of having Syrian artists visit Finland as well.
Regarding commercial and economic relations, the ambassador said that trade exchange is relatively low, amounting to around Euro 65 million, and that it could be doubled with some effort, particularly since Finland can provide much in the fields of technology and energy, and since Finland can import textile and food products from Syria.
"We are working to organize a visit by delegation of Finnish business to Syria to discuss economic relations and how to develop them," Maki-Reinikka said.
"The Finnish love the Syrian people... there are similarities between them, as both are quiet... those of them who came to Syria felt joy and familiarity and said that they felt like they were at their home country." He concluded.
By H. Sabbagh / Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
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