Syrian deputy premier concludes fruitful visit to Turkey
Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/24/1999

Turkish acting President Hikmat Cetin, who is also the speaker of the Turkish Parliament on Tuesday in Ankara received Syrian Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Salim Yassin and members of the accompanying delegation. Cetin said he is receiving Yassin and his companions not as speaker of Parliament, rather in his capacity as acting president of the Republic of Turkey.

Cetin expressed his happiness over this meeting. He stressed that the long common borders between the two neighboring countries make it necessary to strengthen cooperation. Cetin added that strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries is in the interest of the two peoples and countries.

He added that the past phase was characterized by certain difficulties and tensions in bilateral relations that had been eliminated by the Adanah agreement which has opened a new phase between the two countries conducive to promoting bilateral relations.

Cetin noted the historical relations linking Syria and Turkey and the numerous and uncountable ties between the two sides. He noted the possibility of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. He went on: "We are confident that developing these relations on the grounds of good neighborly relations and benefiting from available potential will all serve the two peoples and positively contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region."

Cetin expressed confidence that this visit will effectively contribute to developing relations between the two countries and that talks held between the Syrian delegation and the Turkish officials would result in uncountable benefits for the two sides.

Yassin later expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his companions were accorded with during their visit to Turkey. He asserted that talks conducted with Turkish officials unveil the open possibility of developing trade and economic ties with a view to serving interests of the two peoples in the two neighboring states. Yassin added that during his meeting with Cetin "there were bases of geographic, historical, economic, cultural and other links with Turkey, serving both sides' benefits."

Yassin said the two sides take great interest in developing bilateral relations, referring to efforts being exerted to promote cooperation in all domains.

Later in the day, Yassin met with the Turkish minister of state and chairman of the Syrian-Turkish Economic committee, Eden Touman. The two sides discussed activities carried out by the committee and ways of enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

The Syrian delegation also met with the Turkish minister of transport and communications, Hassan Basri Aktan. Talks dealt with means and ways of strengthening cooperation in the areas of land transport, aviation and railways. Aktan expressed happiness over the meeting, stressing he would overcome any difficulties hindering bilateral cooperation. Yassin said that there are issues that must be debated in order to push the bilateral cooperation forward.

Earlier in the day, Yassin and members of his accompanying delegation visited the tomb of Kamal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, laid a wreath on the monument and wrote a note on the book of condolences. However, the Syrian side concluded a two-day official visit to Turkey paid at the invitation of Ulugbay. Yassin and the accompanying delegation were seen off at Ankara airport by the Turkish ministers and ranking ministries officials. Ulugbay told reporters the visit was constructive and paved the way for boosting ties between Turkey and Syria.

Previous Stories:
  Hassaka governor confers with Turkish counterpart   (3/23/1999)
  Volume of trade expected to reach $1 billion US between Syria, Turkey   (3/23/1999)
  Turkish-Syrian relations for the better   (3/22/1999)
  Report: New phase in relations between Syria and Turkey   (3/11/1999)

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