Sharaa -Siniora: our people have much in common

His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain discussed here on Monday with the Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa latest developments in the Middle East and the bilateral relations between Spain and Syria. The Spanish Monarch expressed deep confidence in the firm friendship relations between the two countries.

Sharaa conveyed best greetings and wishes of President Bashar al-Assad to King Carols who asked him in return to convey heartfelt wishes to president Assad.

The Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of Barcelona meetings, also discussed with Lebanese premier Fouad Siniora the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The two sides stressed total care for enhancing the bilateral relations in different fields for the common interest of the two countries and their people.

Sharaa told reporters that he focused during the meeting with Premier Siniora on the importance of independence for the two countries and rejection of any foreign intervention in their internal affairs.

He added that he and Siniora agreed to enhance the bilateral relations in different economic, trade, investment, culture and tourism fields.

The Foreign Minster told reporters that "the two countries have opened a new page between them, and President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian leadership will be happy about what they will hear regarding this meeting I have held with Mr. Siniora ... and we welcome the Lebanese Prime Minister in Damascus."

Sharaa asserted "depth of the relations with the sisterly Lebanon. The two countries have common understanding on everything ... Above all, we are brothers and neighbors, and their national independence is important for both of them."

For his part, premier Siniora said the Lebanese do not deny what had Syria done to end internal strife in Lebanon and prevent the division of the country as well as getting rid of the Israeli occupation. Siniora described his meeting with Sharaa as very good, adding that things have returned to normal ... we and Syria are two sisterly countries and peoples ... and the relations will remain excellent and distinguished." He added that "all things will be solved in a quiet way very soon."

The meeting was attended by Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, Syrian and Lebanese ambassadors in Madrid Mohsen Bilal and Samir Mubarak.