Visits

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to France from November 12-13 fell within the framework of the constructive dynamics of the new Franco-Syrian relationship.

The meeting between the two Heads of State and the working lunch following the meeting focused on the major regional challenges.

Strengthening bilateral Franco-Syrian relations in economic and cultural areas were also discussed by the President of the Republic and his Syrian counterpart. The agreement between the European Union and the problems that have been encountered were also addressed.

This visit follows the Syrian President’s visit to France in July 2008 for the Paris Summit during which he took part in the launch of the Union for the Mediterranean. The President of the Republic went to Syria in September 2008 and January 2009. Bernard Kouchner has made three visits to Damascus since August 2008. He received his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Mouallem on September 29.

We have always supported the prospect of this agreement. The Swedish president proposed that the signing of this agreement should take place in October; the Syrians preferred to postpone signing the agreement. They should discuss the matter internally in Syria, and agree on other dates with the Swedish presidency.