By KUNA,
DAMASCUS : Syria and France signed on Sunday seven agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of oil, natural gas, electricity, railroads, water and transport.
The agreements were signed by Syrian Minister of Economy and trade Amir Lutfi, Minister of Industry Fuad Al-Jouni, and the Secretary of State in charge of Industry and Consumption Luc Chatel, with the attendance of Syrian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdullah Al-Dardari.
Chatel said during a joint press conference with Al-Dardari, “I reviewed with the Syrian officials ways to boost economic relations between the two countries, and the possibility of developing the industrial sector.” He also referred to Syrian-French “Bell” Cheese Company, which symbolizes strong cooperation between the two countries.
The French minister added, the signed agreements strengthen cooperation between the two governments, assuring that future cooperation will include aviation and health.
Meanwhile, Al-Dardari said that such cooperation was blessed by Syrian and French Presidents Bashar Al-Assad and Nicholas Sarkozy respectively, during exchanged visits last year.
He also asserted that the two sides agreed to establish a French Agency for development in Damascus, to finance small projects, in addition to road, airport and communications projects in Syria.
The agreements signed, he highlighted, were within the Syrian government’s keenness to develop, modernize, reform, and use new technology in the national economy.
The Syrian minister stated that he discussed with the French official the possibility of signing an agreement on “vira tass” company to support infrastructure projects, and exporting Syrian experts in food industry and textiles.
The volume of Syrian exports to France recorded USD 700 million in 2007, including textiles, food, and chemicals, whereas the volume of French exports to Syria was USD 500 million. (pickup previous) tk.asa KUNA 082004 Feb 09NNNN