16th November, 2003
Prime Minister's Office  


JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CONCLUSION OF PM’S VISIT TO SYRIA

Following is the text of the joint press statement issued on the conclusion of Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Syria:

  1. At the invitation of the President of Syria H.E. Dr. Bashar Al-Assad, the Prime Minister of India H.E Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, paid a State visit to Syria on November 14-16, 2003. The visit helped in establishing deeper understanding between the leadership and renewed old historical links between the two countries.

  2. Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee was accompanied by Minister of External Affairs of India, the National Security Advisor and a delegation comprising of senior officials from important Ministries.

  3. During the visit, Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee had one to one meeting with President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad and held talks with prime Minister Eng. Mohammad Naji Al-Otri and Cabinet Ministers.

  4. In his meeting with President, Prime Minister had a cordial and comprehensive exchange of views on a wide range of important bilateral, regional and international issues, in a way that reflects the deep historical relations between India and Syria.

  5. During the discussions, both sides expressed their satisfaction at the steady and comprehensive growth in bilateral relations. They, however, emphasized that enormous potential for further bilateral cooperation needed to be tapped for mutual benefit. They committed themselves to further strengthening and expanding their bilateral cooperation, especially in political, economic, commercial, cultural and science & technology sectors.

  6. In the presence of the President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad and Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee, the following documents were signed:-

  1. Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation,

  2. Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Information Technology and Services,

  3. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors,

  4. Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation,

  5. Exchange Programme in the field of Education,

  6. Cultural Cooperation Agreement between the Arab Writers Union in Syrian Arab Republic and the Sahitya Academy in India,

  7. Agreement of Mutual Cooperation between National Small Industries Corporation, India and Ministry of Industry of Syrian Arab Republic,

  8. Executive Work Plan: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of Republic of India and the Ministry of Higher Education, Syrian Arab Republic, and

  9. Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology.

The two sides hoped that these documents would further enhance the bilateral legal and institutional framework and boost their cooperation in respective sectors.

  1. Both sides agreed to hold periodic consultations between the two governments on topical issues. Both sides also agreed to increase the frequency of bilateral visits by Ministers and officials and to consolidate the ties between business communities of the two countries. People-to-people relations will also be encouraged, in order to increase and deepen understanding between the societies.

  2. In view of the potential for cooperation in the Hydrocarbon sector, both sides decided to set up a Joint Hydrocarbon Committee, having three representatives from each side. This Committee will be mandated to suggest specific projects for joint cooperation in the Hydrocarbon sector within a specified timeframe. The two sides agreed to consider setting up an Institute of Petroleum with the assistance of the Government of India.

  3. Both sides reviewed their economic and commercial cooperation and identified fields such as Biotechnology, Information Technology, hydrocarbons, Railways, Education and Agriculture where existing complementarities could be exploited for mutual benefit. They agreed to encourage the private and public sectors to expand the scope of mutual trade and investments.

  4. Prime Minister of India also announced a Credit Line of US $ 25 million (US Dollar twenty five million) for development of bilateral trade. The announcement of credit line by India for the purpose of boosting bilateral trade was welcomed by Syria. Both sides agreed to double the bilateral trade by 2005 and decided to identify priority areas for this purpose.

  5. Both the governments noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation in biotechnology sector. The establishment of Syrian National Biotechnology Centre at the University of Damascus with Indian assistance will further enhance their peaceful cooperation in this vital field. Both sides will undertake joint projects for mutual benefit. Indian Prime Minister announced a special grant of US $ 1 million to assist the implementation of the agreed programme of cooperation and make the Centre an institute of excellence.

  6. The two delegations held an in-depth exchange of views on the emerging international and regional security environment. Both sides condemned all acts of terrorism, of which they have been victims. Both delegations agreed that terrorism should not be linked to any religion and no attempt be made to tarnish any religion in the name of terrorism.

  7. Syria welcomed the initiative taken by the Prime Minister of India aimed at fostering friendship and good-neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan. Syria supported resolution of India-Pakistan issues bilaterally through dialogue based on the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999. Both sides supported strong cooperation for combating international terrorism according to the international law and the stand of the Non Aligned Movement taken in this regard.

  8. India and Syria called for the establishment of a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East. Prime Minister reiterated India’s principled support for the Palestinian and Syrian causes and for the legitimate rights and aspirations in the framework of the UN Security Council Resolutions No.242, 338, 1397 and 497 as well as the "land for peace" principle. The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s view that the cycle of violence and counter-violence must end. In this context, he emphasized that action against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, as happened last month, is not acceptable.

  9. Both sides had a convergence of view on Iraq and felt that it was imperative that the people of Iraq should be empowered to determine their own future to rebuild their nation. Both sides also agreed that the UN had a crucial role to play in the process of political and economic reconstruction of that country. The immediate priorities in Iraq are ensuring security and stability, restoration of basic facilities and infrastructure, and a road map for the political process towards a representative government.

  10. Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee thanked President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad for the cordiality and hospitality extended during the State visit and conveyed his good wishes to the leadership and people of Syria on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee invited President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad to visit India. President Dr. Bashar Al-Assad accepted this invitation with pleasure.