Shara, Spanish counterpart press conference

Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara and his Spanish counterpart, Ana Maria Palacio, on Tuesday evening held a joint press conference in Damascus.

Al-Shara described his talks with his Spanish counterpart as important and useful and centered on what is going in the occupied Arab territories and the Iraqi issue in addition to bilateral relations.

He expressed satisfaction over the positive and constructive talks indicating that they were held in a cordial atmosphere, hoping that bilateral relations will be further promoted in the future.

He pointed out that President Bashar al-Assad is scheduled to meet the Spanish Foreign Minister on Wednesday and that the meeting will be an important point and a positive turning point in the long march of bilateral relations since both countries are currently members of the UN.Security Council.

Al- Shara underlined that both sides agreed to continue cooperation and coordination at the Security council with regard to the proposed issues and issues of mutual concern.

For her part, Palacio underlined that Syrian and Spanish viewpoints were in agreement with regard the issues raised in sphere of boosting bilateral relations.

She indicated that the issue of signing an agreement between Syria and the European Union was discussed particularly since both sides reached important points in that sphere last November.

The Spanish foreign minister pointed out that her meeting with al-Shara was focused on the current situation in the Palestinian territories and on the Iraqi issue.

She underlined her country's interest in the Syrian initiative with regard to the meeting of the foreign ministers of the countries involved with the Iraqi issue, and wished success to the meeting.