Syrian-Belgian economic relations reviewed
Syria-Belgium, Economics, 2/8/1999

Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi on Sunday in Damascus received Belgian Deputy Premier and Economy Minister Elio Di Rupo and members of his accompanying delegation.

Talks dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries and means of developing them in various fields as well as relations between Syria and the European Union.

Earlier in the day, Syrian Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Salim Yassin received the Belgian minister and members of the accompanying delegation. Talks dealt with bilateral relations between Syria and Belgium and means of strengthening them in various fields.

A round of official talks was held at the Syrian Cabinet, attended by Yassin and his Belgian counterpart. Yassin reviewed events of "economic and trade relations between Syria and Belgium and the EU member states."

He expressed "Syria's desire to expand and diversify these relations" in all fields and on all levels.

Di Rupo highlighted the development of relations between Belgium and Syria. He indicated the priority given by Belgium to developing relations with Syria on the grounds of the importance of the Syrian role in the region, in the international arena and the notable increase achieved by the Syrian economy and its rich potentials.

The two sides reviewed means of diversifying and expanding relations through signing the draft agreement on protecting and encouraging investment, the draft agreement on trade and economic cooperation and the draft agreement on scientific and technical cooperation. It was agreed to follow up discussions on these agreements and sign them very soon.

The two sides, furthermore, reviewed the possibility of Belgian establishments and companies' participation in carrying out several projects in Syria. These include a electricity generation station, a phosphate fertilizer project and a silo project.

Moreover, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa received the visiting Belgian minister. Talks dealt with current conditions in the region, the deadlocked Middle East peace process, bilateral relations between Syria and both of Belgium and the EU and means of developing them.

Later in the day, the Belgian minister left Damascus following his two-day visit to the country.

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