Syrian - Austrian bilateral relations
Syrian-Austrian bilateral relations in various economic, scientific and technical fields and the possibility of starting joint venture projects were at the the top of the agenda of a meeting held late Tuesday between Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud Zoubi and Austria's Chancellor Viktor Klima, who is on a two-day visit to Damascus.
The two sides agreed to set up a joint committee to follow up the implementation of agreed upon fields of cooperation.
Chancellor Klima praised the firm relations between Austria and Syria, noting that Austria views the Syrian role in the Middle East peace process as vital and substantial and a key factor for political, economic and social stability in the region.
Klima called for Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Arab lands and to abide by the international will to achieve peace. He referred Syria's efforts and her readiness to resume talks from the point it stopped it according to international legitimacy resolutions.
He added that it is necessary to re-start the talks and, "We principally accept the Syrian position on Israel 's withdrawal to the June 4th, 1967 lines," stressing the need for lifting all obstacles that hinder peace making.
On the nature of his visit to the Middle East Klima noted the three topics he discussed with Syrian officials: bilateral relations between Syria and Austria, Syrian - European relations, and the question of peace in the Middle East.
He proceeded: " We could really encourage the economic relations between our two countries, and we could also encourage the exchange of experience for the transformation of the economy, the transformation of industry. The second point is that Austria is preparing for its presidency of the European Union. Starting from January 1, we are member of the Troika, which consists of the outgoing President, the incoming President and the current one.
"For us it is very important that Europe has close relations with the Arab world because in Europe there are today two processes. First is the deepening of relations with the European Union. For example the monetary union is starting January 1999. In my opinion it will give an additional strength to the European economy and give it the chance to have a global strong currency. The consequence of such a monetary union will be in a better coordinated fiscal policy, a better coordinated economic policy within the European Union."