14 October 2009
Damascus - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero started on Wednesday a work visit to Syria.
During his visit, Zapatero will meet President Bashar al-Assad and senior Syrian officials.
In a statement upon arrival in Damascus, Zapatero said "I carry a message of friendship to the Syrian people and leadership and a message of peace to the Middle East region".
Zapatero is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.
Otri and Zapatero Discuss Cooperation between Syria and Spain in Fields of Economy and Development
Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri discussed with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero the relations between the two friendly countries and means of developing and expanding them.
The meeting dealt with the aspects of cooperation in fields of economy and development, increasing trade exchange, revitalizing the role of businessmen and investors, and benefiting from Spanish expertise in developing industry, transport and power stations, particularly renewable energy.
The meeting also discussed suitable mechanisms for the participation of Spanish companies in the current process of building and construction in Syria.
During the meeting, Zapatero described Syrian-Spanish relations as "very distinguished," stressing the need to improve economic cooperation to match the level of the distinguished political relations between the two countries.
For his part, Otri expressed relief over the remarkable development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries, affirming mutual desire and keenness to further develop these relations in all fields of cooperation.
The meeting was attended by the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, the ministers of economy and trade, foreign affairs, information and industry, the assistant foreign minister, the secretary general of the prime ministry, director of the prime minister's office, and the official delegation accompanying Premier Zapatero.
Later, Otri held a luncheon in honor of Mr. Zapatero attended by members of the official delegations.
Zapatero Visits Umayyad Mosque
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited the Umayyad Mosque and was briefed on the history of the mosque and the renovations that were made to preserve its historic and Islamic characteristics which reflect the greatness of Islamic architecture.
Mr. Zapatero accompanied during this visit by Minister of Information Dr. Mohsen Bilal. He was received at the Mosque by Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Mohammad Abdelsattar al-Said.
By H.Zain/ Manal Ismael/ H. Sabbagh / Kh.Aridi
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
Damascus - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero started on Wednesday a work visit to Syria.
During his visit, Zapatero will meet President Bashar al-Assad and senior Syrian officials.
In a statement upon arrival in Damascus, Zapatero said "I carry a message of friendship to the Syrian people and leadership and a message of peace to the Middle East region".
Zapatero is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.
Otri and Zapatero Discuss Cooperation between Syria and Spain in Fields of Economy and Development
Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri discussed with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero the relations between the two friendly countries and means of developing and expanding them.
The meeting dealt with the aspects of cooperation in fields of economy and development, increasing trade exchange, revitalizing the role of businessmen and investors, and benefiting from Spanish expertise in developing industry, transport and power stations, particularly renewable energy.
The meeting also discussed suitable mechanisms for the participation of Spanish companies in the current process of building and construction in Syria.
During the meeting, Zapatero described Syrian-Spanish relations as "very distinguished," stressing the need to improve economic cooperation to match the level of the distinguished political relations between the two countries.
For his part, Otri expressed relief over the remarkable development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries, affirming mutual desire and keenness to further develop these relations in all fields of cooperation.
The meeting was attended by the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, the ministers of economy and trade, foreign affairs, information and industry, the assistant foreign minister, the secretary general of the prime ministry, director of the prime minister's office, and the official delegation accompanying Premier Zapatero.
Later, Otri held a luncheon in honor of Mr. Zapatero attended by members of the official delegations.
Zapatero Visits Umayyad Mosque
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited the Umayyad Mosque and was briefed on the history of the mosque and the renovations that were made to preserve its historic and Islamic characteristics which reflect the greatness of Islamic architecture.
Mr. Zapatero accompanied during this visit by Minister of Information Dr. Mohsen Bilal. He was received at the Mosque by Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Mohammad Abdelsattar al-Said.
By H.Zain/ Manal Ismael/ H. Sabbagh / Kh.Aridi
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
