Syria's absence from the Arab League detrimental: Algerian FM

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen Net
25 Jul 2022 14:52
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Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad hails Algeria’s stance on Syria, stressing that Algerian-Syrian relations are historical.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra (Archive)

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra held a press conference in Damascus, emphasizing the depth of relations between the two countries.

Mekdad hailed Algeria’s stance on Syria, stressing that “Algerian-Syrian relations are historical and distinguished”.

“Algeria has stood by the Syrian people throughout the crisis, denouncing terrorism and Western sanctions on Syria, “he tersely stated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Mekdad welcomed "any Arab coordination and consultations to address all the challenges that afflict the nation."

He also assured that channels of communication with Algeria along other Arab countries are open in spite of Damascus' status in the Arab League.

"Syria hopes that Arab wounds will be repaired as soon as possible," the Syrian foreign minister added, noting that "the old way of dealing with crises between Arabs is no longer useful."

"Today, national Arab interest is our main concern," he added.

During the press conference, Algeria's foreign minister stated, "I conveyed a written message from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to President Bashar Al-Assad, who responded to the letter," emphasizing that "the current circumstances require dedicating consultations" between the two leaders.

Lamamra announced an agreement between Algeria and Syria that aims at encouraging Syrian and Algerian businesses to strengthen economic ties.

"Syria holds a special place in the hearts of Algerians”, he stressed.

The top Algerian diplomat assured that the recovery of Syria’s natural ties with Arab neighbors is positive.

Lamamra warned that Syria's absence from the Arab League is detrimental to joint Arab cooperation.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra arrived in Damascus on Sunday, marking the first such official visit in six years.

Algeria was among the first countries to call for Syria’s return to the Arab League in the next Arab summit, scheduled for March in Algeria, in which it is expected to discuss restoring Syria's membership.