Syrian, Belarusian presidents review reports set by delegations

On Tuesday President Hafez al-Assad discussed with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the second day of his visit to Damascus ways of developing bilateral relations, and issues connected with the regional and world situation.

The closed-door meeting between the two Presidents was followed by a plenary meeting. The two Presidents listened to reports prepared by the two countries' delegations on bilateral talks conducted among ministers. The two presidents reviewed draft agreements and protocols set for signature.

"The climate of talks was good," President Lukashenko noted.

For his part President Assad welcomed the results of negotiations and expressed the hope that they will be a step toward strengthening bilateral relations.

Protocols and agreements concluded between the Syrian and Belarus, due to be signed today, include trade and economic, information, cultural, banking, political, health, agricultural, industrial and oil agreements.

Meanwhile, Syrian Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Moustafa Tlass on Tuesday discussed with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Tshomakov, relations between the two countries and means of developing and consolidating these relations.