Syrian party official, information minister confer with Australian immigration minister

The assistant secretary general of the ruling Baath Arab Socialist Party, Abdullah al-Ahmar, met on Thursday in Damascus with Australian Minister of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Phillip Ruddock and members of the accompanying delegation.

Talks dealt with the role played by the Syrian Baath Party in building Syria and its relations with the political parties in Australia, as well as with Syrian-Australian relations, especially cultural relations, and the role played by Arab expatriates in strengthening friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries and developing them in the interests of the two peoples.

Ruddock expressed his hope that the peace negotiations would result in the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region and voiced appreciation for Syria's efforts to make these negotiations a success.

The Australian minister also met with Minister of Information Muhammad Salman. Talks dealt with media and cultural relations between the two countries and means of boosting them.

A similar meeting was held between the Australian minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Ali Khalil, during which talks dealt with cooperation between the two countries in immigration and social works areas for mutual benefits.