Syrian - Iraqi relations developing

Iraqi Foreign Ministry secretary Nouri Ismael Elweis, who is in charge of Iraq's diplomatic relations with the "Bilad al-Sham" countries, said his country hopes to have a turning point in its relations with Damascus.

In a statement to the London based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily published on Sunday, Elweis added that relations between Iraq and Syria are proceeding toward the better and that points of agreement between the two states are increasing.

He added that steps to open the two countries' embassies have been completed: "It only needs a decision for opening the embassies."

In a similar statement to the paper, Iraqi Trade Minister Muhammad Mahdi Saleh said the volume of trade contracts with Syrian governmental and private companies will exceed US $600 million for 1999.

He added, "We have ambitious plans to develop our relations with Syria, either according to the memorandum of understanding signed with the UN or according to direct contracts."