Syrian FM visits India, discusses bilateral relations with VP

• 

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad discussed in New Delhi with Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dankhar the latest developments in the region and the historical relations between Syria and India, the SANA reported.

The two sides expressed the desire of their countries to develop bilateral relations, the news agency said.

SANA quoted Dankhar as saying during the meeting that his country "adheres to the historical relations it has with Syria and wishes the Syrian people recovery and prosperity." The Indian Vice President added that his country "maintained its position in support of Syria in the most difficult times."

Dhankhar drew attention to the development of the Indian economic experience and the success achieved by India in the technical field, expressing readiness to cooperate with Syria in these fields.

In turn, Mekdad stressed the importance of mutual communication and coordination in matters of bilateral interest, in addition to the strengthening of the existing historical relations, noting the importance of the Indian presence in regional and international forums.

"Syria welcomes India's role in rebuilding what was destroyed by terrorism," Mekdad said, stressing that "the increase in the number of Syrian competencies, who studied in India and gained from the Indian experience, will have an effective role in the reconstruction."

The Syrian FM arrived in India on Thursday and will last till Monday.

The Syrian FM's visit takes place a few days before the start of the 19th round of Astana peace talks, aimed to find a political solution for the Syrian crisis.

The capital of Kazakhstan will host the peace talks on November 22-23.