By NNN-SANA,
London : Official talks were held here between Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband followed by a working lunch, during which both sides discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.
The talks Monday concentrated on the US aggression on Syrian lands carried out Sunday that claimed the lives of a number of Syrian civilians, the latest developments in Lebanon, Iraq, the peace process and cooperation on combating terrorism.
Following the talks, a joint press statement said discussions were useful and constructive, adding “both sides expressed common desire to work for the Middle East stability based on joint interest.”
The two sides underlined the importance of establishing diplomatic ties between Syria and Lebanon reaching to the exchange of ambassadors between them as soon as possible.
Al-Moallem and Miliband referred to the significance of a fair and comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. The British Foreign Secretary welcomed “the advancement that has been achieved in the Syrian-Israeli indirect peace talks under Turkish mediation.”
Both sides also conferred on the challenges in Iraq, referring to the burden Syria bears by hosting a big number of Iraqi refugees.
The British minister welcomed the Syrian government’s decision to appoint an ambassador in Iraq, saying “this step is important to boost bilateral ties between Damascus and Baghdad.”
On the US aggression along the Syrian-Iraqi borders, Miliband underlined that “the firm stance of the British government is regret over the killing of civilian victims.”
The two ministers were in consensus that combating terrorist cells is a priority, agreeing on facing this threat.
In this regard, the British minister expressed condolences to the Syrian government over the explosion which occurred in Damascus on Sept 27.