Syrian FM Mekdad in Algiers: “We maintain strong, close ties with Algeria”
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Ahmed Attaf received Saturday, in Algiers, his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, on a visit to Algeria in his capacity as special envoy of Syrian President Bachar al-Assad, in order to transmit a message to his brother President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the ministry said in a statement.
In a statement to the press after being received by Mr. Attaf at Houari Boumediene International Airport, the Syrian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stressed that “Algeria represents a particular symbolism for the Syrian people and for all peoples worldwide”, affirming that the Algerian-Syrian relations “will remain strong”.
“This visit to Algeria, he stressed, is an expression of the sincere feelings of the government of the Syrian Arab Republic represented by President Bashar al-Assad to the Algerian leaders as well as the recognition of Syria for the traditional support of Algeria, particularly in the context of recent events, having been the first country to dispatch a professional team which was able to cope with the catastrophic effects of the earthquake”.
He indicated, in this context, that “the consultations between the two parties on developments in the region and in the world have never been interrupted”, adding: “we need to strengthen these relations with a view to concretizing the sincere vision of the peoples and leaders of the two sisterly countries for the development of relations in all aspects. Whatever we say, we cannot qualify the major role of Algeria at different levels”.
Mikdad said: “The general role played by Algeria at all levels cannot be described. We are fighting on behalf of all the world against terrorism, “and emphasized the need to work together between the Syrian and Algerian sides to face the current challenges.
Mr. Al-Maqdad also expressed his country’s optimism, despite all the challenges and difficulties, stressing that Syria is fighting terrorism as was the case for Algeria during the black decade, the two countries having played yesterday and today essential roles to face the challenges in the region”.
“I have thus come to express this gratitude and our great will to work together for our common future”, concluded Mr. Al-Meqdad”.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Algeria on Saturday for an official visit to hold talks with the Algerian leadership on enhancing bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries and means to develop them, in addition to discussing the latest developments on the Arab and international arenas and coordinating stances between the two countries.
