Syrian -EU partnership process speeds up

The official responsible for the Syrian - Mediterranean partnership of the Barcelona conference, Herbert Krola, said that he spoke with the director of the economic department at the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Sami Ghalil, in the context of the current negotiations for the partnership agreement between Syria and the European Union.

In statements to reporters following the talks, the EU official said discussions with the Syrian official aimed at modernizing the economy, reducing customs tariffs and opening markets in favor of common interests.

He indicated that Syria's agreement with the EU was discussed. It provides for giving Syria 60 million ECU by the end of 1999.

In case these talks prove successful, the European Union will take part in developing technical and administrative education in Syria, a matter which will help the Syrian economy be more competitive.