Events

MINSK, 9 February (BelTA) – Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei paid an official visit to Syria on 8-9 February, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

During the visit, Vladimir Makei met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi, Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, Grand Mufti Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun, and Syrian businessmen. The sides discussed the state and prospects of the development of the bilateral cooperation in politics, trade, economy, science, technology, and humanitarian affairs. They also talked over the provision of mutual support in the international arena, including with regard to the situation in Syria and the region. The participants also exchanged views on the current issues on the international agenda.

Vladimir Makei handed over a letter from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“During the negotiations, Syrian people were offered support in fighting against foreign interference and terrorism. The sides confirmed their commitment to the development of all-round cooperation between Belarus and Syria. Belarus expressed readiness to contribute to the post-conflict economic recovery of Syria. The ways to step up the bilateral trade and develop the investment cooperation were the focus of talks with Syrian businessmen,” the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said.

The sides worked to enhance the legal framework of the bilateral cooperation. The Belarusian and Syrian governments signed an agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, and the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry and the Syrian Ministry of Local Administration and Environment inked an agreement on cooperation in emergencies prevention and management. The sides also signed a protocol to exchange instruments of ratification of the treaty on legal assistance in civil and criminal matters.