Al-Moallem resumes talks in New York

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem, who is heading the Syrian delegation to the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, resumed official meetings at the UN headquarter in New York.

Al-Moallem held talks with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Ali Akbar Salihi, and discussed with him the latest developments in bilateral relations and mutual cooperation in light of the outstanding relations.

The two sides also discussed means of developing cooperation and consultations in all fields and exchanged views on the mission of the UN envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi and means of backing his mission as to ensure non-interference in the Syrian affairs and launching a Syrian-led political process according to agreed-upon national principles.

Al-Moallem hailed the good offices of Iran to help the Syrian people overcome the current crisis.

Al-Moallem also met the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, and discussed with him bilateral relations and means of bolstering them.

Al-Moallem gave a review of the latest developments in Syria and discussed details related to the terrorist acts which target public and private institutions, which take place due to the policies of some countries in hosting, funding and training armed terrorist groups.

Al-Moallem briefed his Russian counterpart on the latest developments pertaining to Brahimi’s mission and Syria’s efforts to make his mission a success in a way that preserves the independent Syrian decision, and highlighted the attempts of some countries to thwart the mission.

For his part, the Russian foreign minister stressed his country’s support to Syria to be able to make it through the current situation. The two sides agreed to continue coordination and cooperation through diplomatic channels.

Al-Moallem also met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla and discussed with him the historic relations between the two countries.

Talks during the meeting touched on the situation in Syria, with al-Moallem briefing Rodriguez Parrilla on the latest developments in terms of diplomatic efforts to help Syria overcome the current circumstances, particularly the efforts of UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Ibrahimi and Syria’s work to ensure the success of his mission.

For his part, Rodriguez Parrilla affirmed his country’s continuing support for Syria’s independence, promising to work with all friendly countries in international circles to help Syria and its people, while al-Moallem thanked his Cuban counterpart for his country’s efforts.

The two sides agreed to maintain bilateral consultation and coordination.

Al-Moallem also met Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Ralph E. Gonsalves, who stressed his country’s support for stability in Syria, noting that his country abstained from backing the anti-Syria decisions at the UN General Assembly.

Gonsalves expressed his heart-felt wishes to the Syrian people and leadership.

Al-Moallem thanked the foreign minister for his country’s stances, and agreed to keep up mutual consultations and coordination.