Moroccan- Syrian summit talks focus on deepening relations and coordinating positions
Talks between King Mohammed VI and Syrian president, Bashar Al Assad, who is currently visiting Morocco, have a "global and deep" nature and deal with consolidation of relations and coordination of positions regarding the Middle East and the Euro-Mediterranean process.
The statement was made by Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, who said the two states will sign an agreement setting up a high joint commission, co-chaired by the heads of government. In a statement to "Asharq Al Awsat" daily, Benaissa also denied news that Moroccan-Syrian relations suffered any strain and said Al Assad's visit is a "new step in consolidating solid and frank relations."
He went on Moroccan-Syrian summit talks will also be topped by follow-up of political and economic resolutions made by the latest Arab summit and developments in the Middle East, after the serious events in the Palestinian cause and the upsurge of Israel's violence against the Palestinian people.
Meantime, King Mohammed VI on Monday hosted in the royal palace of Fez a dinner in honor of the Syrian president who started on the same day a three-day official visit to Morocco.
The dinner was attended by Prince Moulay Rachid, members of the Syrian official delegation and Moroccan civil and military officials.
Meanwhile, the spouse of the Syrian head of state, Mrs Asmaa Al Akhrass, was invited to a dinner hosted by Princess Lalla Hasna.
Shortly after arrival in Morocco's spiritual capital, the Syrian president went sightseeing in monuments and historic sites of the city, which is part of UNESCO's world legacy.
In Rabat, the Syrian president is scheduled to meet Morocco's premier, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, and speakers of the two legislative houses, Abdelouahed Radi and Mustapha Oukacha.
