HAMBURG - A Syrian state purchasing agency has issued an international tender to buy 45,000 tonnes of white rice, European traders said on Monday.

The tender from Syria's General Foreign Trade Organisation closes on Nov. 13, they said.

Long- or short-grain rice of third or fourth class grades was sought. No specific country of origin was specified.

Some 25,000 tonnes was sought for supply 90 days after confirmation of the order, and 20,000 tonnes 180 days after supply of the first consignment.

The rice was sought packed in bags and offers should be submitted in euros.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan; Editing by Jan Harvey) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))