Syria is the most important partner for Russia in the Middle East: Russian spokesman
Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/25/2005

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Yakovenko on Sunday described the Syrian-Russian relations as "friendly and of rich history." "Syria is the most important partner for Russia in the Middle East" Yakovenko said.

In a statement on the occasion of President Bashar al-Assad's state visit to Russia which starts today, Yakovenko added that Moscow hopes that the Syrian-Russian Summit would push the bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields forward.

"Syria is a key state in the Middle East." Yakovenko said clarifying that the summit will discuss developments of the situation in the ME region.

He asserted the importance of resuming peace negotiations on the Syrian track for achieving the just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Yakovenko clarified that the summit will deal with the mutual cooperation between both countries in fields of energy, irrigation, land reclamation as well as with transporting gas, oil and manures production.

The Russian Agency of Interfax quoted a well-informed Russian source as saying that President al-Assad will meet during his visit Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, Chairman of Russian Federation Council Sergei Mikhailovich Mironov, Speaker of the Russian State Duma Boris Grylov and Moscow Mayor Youri Loujkov.

Meantime, Dean of Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry Youri Vokin told SANA that the Syrian-Russia Summit will play a great role in understanding and advancing the process of bilateral relations in different fields.

In a similar statement to SANA, Chairman of Strategic Studies Center in Russia, Maksim Chevjinko, described the visit as "an important event that would form a base for building good relations between the two countries in all domains." He pointed out to Syria's pivotal role in the Middle East calling for the Israeli pullout from all the occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

For his part Head of Supreme Islamic Council of Russia Haider Jamal criticized the US double standard policy towards issues of the region. "Israel is against peace and puts hindrances in front of achieving it backed by unlimited US support," Jamal said.

Previous Stories:
  Russians hail visit of President al-Assad to Moscow   (1/24/2005)
  Russia criticizes the American accusations against Syria   (1/22/2005)
  Russian foreign ministry and President al-Assad's visit to Moscow   (1/22/2005)

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