Oslo, (SANA) – Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem discussed on Monday with Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, with both sides stressing the need for developing Syrian-Norwegian relations and continuing communications between the two countries on various levels.

They also exchanged viewpoints regarding developments in the Middle East, partcilarly in the occupied Palestinian territories and the stalled peace process, with Minister al-Moallem affirming Syria's stance which calls for achieving just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy resolutions in order to achive security and stability in the region.

Al-Moallem also pointed out that Israel isn't serious about achieving peace, and that it continues its siege of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the daily violations and steps for Judaizing Jerusalem.

He called on the international community to pressure Israel and force it to commit itself to the requirements of peace, lift the siege imposed on Gaza Strip, and stop its violations of international law in the occupied Arab lands.

Al-Moallem thanked the government and people of Norway for the efforts they exert to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

For his part, Store affirmed Syria's pivotal regional role, expressing his country's keenness to supporting any efforts that could help achieve security and stability in the Middle East, underlining the role of Norway in this regard as the leader of donor countries providing aid to the Palestinians.

The Norwegian Minister also stressed the need for Israel to cease settlement activities and the steps it is taking to Judaize Jerusalem, affirming the importance of lifting the siege imposed on Gaza Strip and the resumption of indirect talks between Syria and Israel through Turkish mediation.

Minister al-Moallem began on Monday morning a two-day official visit to Norway upon the invitation of his Norwegian counterpart. During this visit, he will be holding meetings with Norway's Prime Minister and members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense at the Parliament of Norway.

H. Sabbagh / A. N. Idelbi