27-11-2010 : Damscus, Syria
First of all I would like to say that I am very happy to be in Syria, a beautiful country and which like India is an inheritor of an ancient civilization.
I am visiting Syria to carry forward the dialogue that I had with President Assad when he visited India in June 2008. I have just concluded very constructive talks with President Assad and I am glad to share with the media the outcome of these discussions. The meeting today was held in a cordial atmosphere and covered bilateral matters, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
We are happy with the progress in India-Syria bilateral relations over the last few years, and are committed to further strengthening our ties.
The global economic downturn posed serious challenges since early 2008. Both India and Syria were affected, but have recovered and are confident of achieving higher rates of growth in the coming years. In Syria, this is the result of the pragmatic economic reforms being implemented under President Assad's leadership. Economic progress in the two countries would open up several new avenues for engagement between the industrialists and business communities of the two countries. In our discussions we recalled the decision taken at the bilateral Joint Commission that met in Damascus in June this year, to double bilateral trade levels in the next 2 to 3 years and reaffirmed that this target should be achieved. The business delegation that is accompanying me would be discussing these new opportunities with their Syrian counterparts. The India-Syria Business Council to be launched tomorrow will focus on strengthening economic and commercial links. Areas that offer enormous potential for mutually advantageous co-operation are the phosphate sector and tourism.
One of the main reasons for economic engagement not having reached the potential is the lack of awareness of each others' requirements and capabilities. In the talks today, India has offered $100 million Line of Credit to be used by Syria in sectors to be mutually agreed upon, keeping in view Syria's priorities. While this will be the third Line of Credit, the purpose behind this offer is to encourage Indian companies to involve themselves in developmental projects in Syria, which will give them good exposure to the Syrian market, and would also showcase to Syria the potential of Indian companies. This, I am confident, will lead to increased economic engagement.
The IT Centre for Excellence, a project of India-Syria co-operation agreed upon during President Assad's visit to India, will start functioning very soon. India looks forward to closer co-operation with Syria in fields such as IT and training in highly specialized fields. To facilitate this, as also for capacity building in other areas, the number of scholarships for Syria under the ITEC programme will be increased from the present 45 to 90. I call upon Syria to make full use of this offer.
A Cultural Exchange Programme and two agreements on co-operation between media organizations are being signed later today. These would facilitate greater flow of information and bring the people of the two countries closer.
India has consistently supported all just Arab causes. I would like to reiterate India's unwavering support for a lasting and comprehensive peace to the Middle East problem, based on relevant UN resolutions. I would also like to reiterate our strong support for Syria's legitimate right to the Golan Heights, and for its very early and full return to Syria.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Given the commitment of both sides, I am confident that in the coming years, relations between our two countries will continue to flourish.
I would like to thank President Assad, the Government and the people of Syria for the great warmth and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I wish the people of Syria a very prosperous and peaceful future.
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