Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Damascus Imad Saab held a reception on Tuesday evening on occasion of Venezuela’s Independence Day.
The reception was attended by a number of Syrian Ministers, heads of diplomatic delegation in Damascus, and economic, social and cultural figures.
In a speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad stressed the depth of relations between the two countries, expressing Syria’s gratitude over Venezuela’s noble stance in support of Syria during its battle against extremism and foreign interference.
Mikdad underlined the advanced levels of bilateral relations between the two countries which were solidified through the visit paid by President Bashar al-Assad to Venezuela in 2010 and President Hugo Chavez’s visits to Syria in 2006 and 2009.
He affirmed that Syria will continue reforms under the leadership of President al-Assad.
Mikdad also congratulated President Chavez over the success of his surgery.
In a statement to SANA, Ambassador Saab stressed the importance of Syrian-Venezuelan relations, affirming his country’s support for Syria and that it pledges to provide all possible need during this time of crisis.
Saab said that the events in Syria are caused by foreign plots and interest, and that cooperating with Syria is based on Venezuela’s principles, and that this cooperation is a moral and historic obligation that hasn’t ceased and never will.
He also noted that Venezuela condemned interference in Syria’s internal affairs, affirming that his country’s government is aware of the conspiracy against Syria, and that Presidents Chavez and al-Assad share the same strategy of rejection the hegemony and control of colonial forces.
The Ambassador pointed out that there are 800,000 Syrians living in Venezuela, pointing out to the positive role of the Arab community in building Venezuelan society, adding that his country experienced similar events during the crises of 2002 and 2004, yet it managed to recover quickly thanks to its people’s enthusiasm and sacrifice, affirming that the same will happen in Syria.
Syria and Venezuela signed several cooperation agreements in the fields of agriculture, research, trade, economy, investment, energy, media, business and banking.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela earned its independence on July 5th 1811, when a group of nationalists led by Simon Bolivar signed a declaration of independence that ended the Spanish occupation that lasted for 300 years.
