The Hindu : Front Page : India in a position to advise the West: Syria

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Thursday, Jun 19, 2008
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India in a position to advise the West: Syria

New Delhi bureau

Assad briefs Manmohan on West Asia peace process; says India is a moderating influence in world affairs

India, Syria agree to expand bilateral economic cooperation
Assad seeks to enhance cooperation with India against terrorism

New Delhi: Describing India as a “moderating influence” in world affairs, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was in a position to advise the United States and the West on how to be more balanced and sensitive in its dealings with the Middle East.

In an hour-long meeting between the two leaders here on Wednesday, Dr. Assad briefed the Prime Minister on Syria’s indirect talks with Israel and the state of the peace process in West Asia. Expressing pessimism over the policies of the Bush administration, he said it was only when a new administration came in that one could hope for a change of tack from Washington.

He stressed the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Seeking to enhance cooperation with India against terrorism and religious extremism, Dr. Assad said the current American approach to the war on terror was actually creating terrorism.

Dr. Singh briefed the Syrian President about the situation in Afghanistan and South Asia.

Noting that whenever Syria had talks with Western leaders, the latter were always telling Damascus what to do, Dr. Assad said he appreciated the fact that this was not the case with India.

On the economic side, the two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation across the board. Senior officials said the specific areas identified by the two sides include phosphates, power, oil and gas as well as IT.

The countries signed three agreements on Wednesday, including one on mutual promotion and protection of investments. Dr. Assad, who will be in India till June 21, is scheduled to visit the IT hub of Bangalore as well.

Businessmen invited

Addressing businessmen here, Dr. Assad said: “I invite you to explore opportunities for joint ventures and other collaboration in major areas, including infrastructure development, energy production and mineral processing as well as IT education and training opportunities.”

The priority of his government was to create a “fertile investment environment,” Mr. Assad said at the session jointly organised by the apex industry bodies — FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM.

He assured Indian businessmen that there would be peace and stability in the region which had seen wars and conflicts.

Mr. Assad said measures were afoot to set up the country’s first stock market. Elimination of restrictions on imports, lower tariffs for local manufacturing and increased access to foreign exchange had gradually begun to liberalise trade. According to him, Syria is promoting export-oriented growth through special economic zones, which are already servicing over 2000 companies.

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