Syrian-Saudi economic and political ties enhanced
Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/17/1998

The seventh session meetings of the joint Syrian-Saudi committee concluded deliberations held in Damascus on Tuesday. The meetings were co-chaired by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal.

The joint communique issued after the meetings stated that the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in different fields and expressed satisfaction over the development of bilateral ties. The Syrian - Saudi sides agreed to take new steps in enhancing economic relations and increasing trade exchange and to take measures to set up a free trade zone.

The two sides also reviewed efforts exerted by the council of Syrian - Saudi businessmen and underlined the importance of supporting trade and tourism projects being carried out in both countries. The two parties also expressed satisfaction over what has been achieved through the past three cultural agreements and approved the provisions of the next agreement. They also urged the formation of a joint sub-committee in charge of consolidating cooperation in the sphere of sports and youth activities.

In the context of reviewing political, regional and international situations the two sides again agreed on the importance of continuing to exert efforts to consolidate Arab solidarity based on full commitment to the Arab League charter, the common Arab defense agreement, economic cooperation, Arab decisions for regaining all usurped Arab rights, and strengthening Arab national security. The two countries stressed the necessity of intensifying Arab efforts to regain the 1967 Arab territories occupied by Israel.

They also stressed the responsibility of the international community -- particularly the peace process cosponsors -- to force Israel to commit itself to Madrid peace process conference' principles. These principles are based on international legitimacy resolutions including UN resolution 242, 338, and the land for peace principle, in a way that that would guarantee full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan, and unconditionally complete withdrawal from south Lebanon and the western Bekaa to the international border line, in implementation of UN resolution 425. It would also guarantee national Palestinian rights, including the right of self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on their national soil with Jerusalem as its capital.

The communique noted the two countries' condemnation of the Israeli government's policy and its dodging implementation of commitments reached within the framework of the peace process. They also held the Israeli government responsible for the collapse of the peace process.

The two countries stressed the responsibilities of the international community, especially the peace cosponsors, to compel Israel to implement UN resolutions, honor its commitments and pledges and resume talks on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks from the point at which they broke off.

The two countries affirmed the importance of avoiding the double-standard policy in dealing with UN resolutions and issues relating to international peace and security. They also stressed the need to abide by the implementation of decisions taken at the Arab summit and the emergency Arab summit of foreign ministers council.

Both sides confirmed their stand towards preserving Iraq's independence, unity of land and safety, expressing sympathy with the people of Iraq and appreciation for the agreement of oil-for-food recently concluded between Iraq and the UN Security Council, calling upon the Iraqi government to implement all Security Council resolutions and to prove its good intentions towards the state of Kuwait and the Arab countries.

The two parties recalled the decision made by the eighth Islamic summit held in Tehran condemning military cooperation with Israel, noting the deep anxiety expressed over the establishment military cooperation by some states which are members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and also the decision taken by the Arab summit held in Cairo in June 1996 which expressed the Arab leaders' hope to have Arab - Turkish traditional relations.

The two countries demanded that Turkey reconsider its military cooperation with Israel and take steps to cancel it because of the dangers the alliance represents to the security of the Arab nation. The two sides concluded by saying that the committee's eighth session will be convened in Riyadh during 1999.

Previous Stories:
  Syrian-Saudi joint committee convened in Damascus   (6/16/1998)
  Syrian president, Saudi crown prince discuss latest developments   (6/2/1998)
  Syrian President confers with Saudi crown prince   (6/1/1998)

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