Pakistan, Syria agree to boost ties

DAMASCUS (APP) - Pakistan and Syria have agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and to expedite exchange of delegations in both government and private levels in political and economic sectors. President Asif Zardari, who arrived here on a two-day official visit met Syrian President Bashar al Assad in the Presidential Palace late Friday night. Ambassador of Pakistan to Syria, Nawabzada Aminullah Khan Raisani told this news agency that the one-hour one-on-one meeting between the two leaders discussed Afghanistan, Middle East and other international issues. He said that both the leaders also discussed in detail the steps taken by Pakistan against extremism and terrorism. President Zardari informed his Syrian counterpart about Pakistan and the regional situation. The Syrian President lauded the role and sacrifices of Pakistan against extremism and terrorism said that instability in Afghanistan would not only affect Pakistan but also the entire world. He said until the issue is resolved peace cannot return to the region and world. The Ambassador said that the Syrian President during the meeting expressed the hope to further promote the bilateral relations in various fields between the two countries. Both the leaders agreed that the two countries would be in contact to further strengthen their bilateral relations. Raisani said that the Syrian President Bashar al Assad expressed the hope that Pakistan, under the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari would very soon come out of the current crisis and be able to make progress. President Zardari invited his Syrian counterpart to visit Pakistan which was accepted by him. Date and time for the visit would be fixed by officials of embassies of the two countries. The Syrian Press has given very prominent importance to Zardaris visit. The newspapers and magazines brought out special supplements on the visit by the President of Pakistan. Television channels also broadcast special programmes on the visit. Relations between the two countries greatly expanded during the era of Shaheed Zulfikar Bhutto and late Hafiz al Assad. Pakistan has always supported the just cause of the Middle East and Golan Heights issue of Syria with Israel. The Syrian President thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their diplomatic and political support to Syria against Israel.