Spanish prime minister in Damascus with business delegation
Syria-Spain, Politics, 7/19/1999

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and his wife arrived in Damascus on Sunday on a state visit to the country. At the Damascus International Airport, the Spanish premier and his wife were welcomed by Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi, the Spanish ambassador in Damascus and Syrian Cabinet ministers, SANA reported.

Aznar, who is accompanied by a delegation including Spanish officials and businessmen, headed for Tishreen Palace in Damascus. In an earlier statement he made before arriving in Damascus, Aznar asserted that his country seeks to play an important and genuine role in the context of the European Union.

He added that this role goes hand-in-hand in parallel with the traditional ties linking Spain to the countries of the Arab region. He described Spain's relations with Syria, Lebanon and Jordan as excellent.

In a statement to the London-based al-Wasat magazine in its recent edition, Aznar stressed the importance of recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and of guaranteeing and ensuring security and stability of each state in the region in order to establish the longing for peace.

Later in the day, the two prime ministers held a meeting in which discussions dealt with latest developments in the Middle East and means and ways of strengthening bilateral relations between Syria and Spain. The Syrian prime minister's two deputies, the foreign minister, the ministers of the economy, state for presidential affairs, agriculture, planning and industry attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Al-Zou'bi highlighted the active role played by Spain and Europe in enhancing justice and peace in the world, referring to the Barcelona conference and its impacts on cooperation between Arabs and Europeans.

Al-Zou'bi also expressed his readiness to strengthen relations between Syria and Spain in all areas.

The Spanish prime minister noted the importance of his current visit to Syria. He expressed hope that this visit will contribute to strengthening the relations between Syria and Spain.

Aznar also expressed backing for the Middle East peace process and his country's willingness to exert all efforts to give the Middle East peace process a push forward on the grounds of UN Security Council resolutions and the land for peace formula.

He also asserted Europe's support for the peace process and ending the Israeli occupation of the occupied Arab territories including the Golan Heights.

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