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Tehran,(SANA)-
Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, Mohammed Naji Otri, and Iranian First Vice President, Parviz Davoodi, the meetings of the Syrian-Iranian Higher Committee , kicked off this morning.
During the opening session, Otri underlined that the meetings of the higher committee constitute an opportunity for evaluating the march of the distinguished bilateral relations which have been developing and gaining momentum ,thanks to their strong basis and the existence of mutual desire interests, and deeply rooted cultural and spiritual links .
Otri said that the importance of such a meeting is represented by providing an opportunity for evaluating the march of bilateral cooperation , and for crystallizing ways that would ensure the means for boosting and enriching the prospects of bilateral cooperation in line with the potentials and aspirations of both countries , and in accordance with the directives of President Bashar al-Assad and President , Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
In this context, Otri pointed out to the importance of what has been achieved so far of steps and special procedures connected with enforcement of the Trade Preferability Agreement , expressing desire for boosting such achievement further by launching bilateral negotiations on Free Trade Agreement since it opens the doors widely for increasing the volume of economic cooperation and trade exchange , leading to interlacement of interests and integration of potentials and resources , opening the way for wider cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry , and among businessmen in both countries.
The Prime Minister indicated that although prospects of cooperation between the two countries are diverse with the focus on the economic and industrial sectors, and on other sectors such as oil, gas, transport and electricity , yet the search for ways to boost other patterns of cooperation is needed in other domains such as culture, tourism, information, higher education , health, Labor, housing, building , environmental affairs , local administration and in activating the already signed agreements and memos of understanding.
The Prime Minister pointed out to the critical circumstances through which the Arab and Islamic nations are passing , and to the current developments in the Middle East, necessitate more solidarity and cooperation in facing the huge political challenges including the economic and cultural challenges.
He expressed Syria's high appreciation of the Iranian stances toward the Arab issues in general and the Palestinian cause in particular .
He also expressed high appreciation of Iran's support to Syria's efforts exerted for facing the challenges to which she is being exposed , and for restoring the occupied Syrian Golan.
He reiterated Syria's commitment to the standing strategic relations between Syria and Iran , and to Syria's support to the Iranian people's right in possessing the nuclear energy for peaceful purposes , strongly rejecting all the political and media campaigns against Iran , and denouncing the double standards policy in dealing with the Iranian nuclear file , at a time when the international community remains silent with regard to Israel's nuclear arsenal that imposes a direct threat to the countries and peoples of the region.
Otri underlined that regional and international challenges threatening the region , make it impossible for peace and security to be established without the achievement of just and comprehensive peace which is based on the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy , land for peace principle , the return of the occupied Syrian Golan , and the occupied Arab territories to the line of June 4th 1967 , ensuring the Palestinian people's right to return to their homeland and establishing their own independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Concerning the tragic situation in Gaza, Otri said that Syria had stressed the necessity for the international community to bear its moral , legal and humanitarian responsibility regarding the suffering of the people in Gaza , to condemn the crimes committed by Israel against thousand of innocent civilians of elderly , children and women , to prosecute the Israeli officials who are responsible for these crimes since they are considered crimes committed against humanity, and to lift the siege imposed on Gaza and to open all the crossings allowing the basic needs to reach the Palestinian people .
He also underlined the need for rebuilding what was destroyed by the Israeli brutal war machine of schools , hospitals and developmental and service utilities.
For his part, the First Iranian Vice President, Parviz Davoodi, addressed the opening session by expressing Iran's support to Syria's right to restore the occupied Syrian Golan and the occupied Arab territories.
He underlined Syria's pivotal role in finding solutions to the problems of the region , praising Syria's capability of dealing with the pressures and challenges ,and emerging victorious thanks to the wisdom and courage of President , Bashar al-Assad.
He also praised Syria for its supportive stance to the steadfastness of the people of Gaza , calling for the necessity to rebuild what was destroyed by the Israeli war machine , and to prosecute the criminals of the Zionist entity who committed crimes against the people of Gaza.
On bilateral level, Davoodi , underlined that the directives of President Ahmadinejad and those of President Bashar al-Assad have given momentum for raising the level of cooperation to the highest levels.
He also underlined the importance of what has been achieved so far in the various industrial and economic sectors.
The two sides reviewed the outcome of the meetings of the Preparatory Committee , and of the Follow up Committee , connected with standing bilateral prospects of cooperation in various domains.
Talks also dealt with the reality of work at a number of developmental projects which are being carried out by some Iranian companies in Syria.
The two sides also touched upon cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry , veterinary vaccinations, air transport , railways ,construction , housing ,tourism, banking and finance.
The two sides focused on some strategic future joint projects such as gas , electricity , and railway networks.
A.N.Idelbi
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