Press Release

Briefing points by Official Spokesperson on the State Visit of H.E. Dr. Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria Arab
Republic to India   (New Delhi; June 18, 2008)

   At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the President of Syria H. E. Dr. Bashar Al-Assad, accompanied by Mrs. Asma al-Assad, paid a State Visit to India on June 17-21, 2008. The visit further consolidated the excellent relations that exist between India and Syria and identified new areas of bilateral cooperation.

  H.E. President Bashar Al-Assad and the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh held delegation level talks on 18 June at Hyderabad House, New Delhi. H.E. President Dr. Bashar al-Assad was assisted by H.E. Mr. Walid al-Moualem, Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Ms. Buthaina Shaaban, Minister for Expatriates, HE Mr. Amer Husni Lutfi, Minister of Economy and Trade, H.E. Mr. Emad Sabouni, Minister of Telecommunication & Technology and other senior officials. The Prime Minister was assisted by the Minister of External Affairs, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Murli Deora, the Minister for Power, Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed, National Security Adviser Shri M.K. Narayanan and other senior members of his delegation.  

  The situation in West Asia figured prominently in discussions. The need for progress in the various tracks of the peace process, early implementation of relevant UN resolutions and the need for greater involvement of all significant regional and international participants were discussed. In this regard, noting recent developments, the two sides agreed to stay in close consultation on the next steps in the peace process.

  Efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between India and Syria, the encouragement of joint ventures in a variety of areas, including in the Syrian phosphatic fertilizers, hydrocarbon and power sectors were highlighted in the talks. India offered to conduct a consultancy study on the integrated development of the Syrian phosphatic sector. BHEL has bid for the 500 MW Al-Zara power project in Syria. Indian participation in the Syrian banking sector and possibilities of cooperation in the information technology sector were also discussed.  

  Addressing a business session jointly organized by the CII in association with FICCI and ASSOCHAM on 18 June, President Assad highlighted on-going economic reforms in Syria that have led to an improved investment climate and the geo-strategic advantages of Syria as a communications and transportation hub.

  In the presence of H.E. Dr. Bashar al-Assad and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the following documents were signed:

(i)Agreement on the Mutual Promotion & Protection of Investments between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Government of the Republic of India.

(ii) Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic for the Avoidance of the Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income.

(iii) Work Plan under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic for Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors for 2008-2009.

  The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Dr. Hamid Ansari, the External Affairs Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Chairperson UPA called on the Syrian President.

  The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil hosted a banquet in honour of H.E. Dr. Bashar al-Assad and Mrs. Asma al-Assad.

  H.E. President Dr. Bashar al-Assad and his delegation will also visit Agra and Bangalore during the State Visit.

New Delhi,
June 18, 2008

Home