Syria assures full support to India on UNSC seat

Syrian President Basher al-Assad today assured full support to his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil on the issue of India's quest for a permanent seat in the reformed UN security council.

"We support India's effort for a permanent seat in the UN security council," Assad said after talks with Patil.

Syria also condemned terrorism against all forms as the Syrian President recalled the second anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes yesterday.

Patil also announced that India has offered 100 million line of credit to be used by Syria.

This will be the third line of credit by India to Syria. The purpose behind this offer is to encourage Indian companies to involve themselves in developmental projects in Syria, Patil said.

After the ceremonial welcome at the People's Palace the two leaders held a delegation level talks after which they made statement to the press.

Earlier on November 22, the UAE had assured full support for India's quest for a permanent seat in the reformed UN Security Council.

"His Highness (the UAE President) stated that UAE would certainly support India, which had the right to be a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council," Secretary (East) Latha Reddy had told reporters on November 22 in Dubai.

Patil, who arrived here from Dubai yesterday to a warm welcome after a five-day visit to the UAE, was received by Syrian Minister for Presidential Affairs Mansoor Azam.

The President is visiting Syria at the invitation of her counterpart Basher al-Assad, who had paid a visit to India in 2008.

Patil would have discussions with the Syrian leadership on bilateral issues -- political, economic and cultural. Both sides would also explore investment opportunities in each other's country.

On the regional and international front, the Middle East peace process and Syria's relations with its neighbours are expected to be important segments of the President's discussions.

Syria has generally been supportive of India's position on the Kashmir issue as also on its quest for permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council.

India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had paid a groundbreaking visit to Syria in 1957. Another Prime Ministerial visit was by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.