He held official talks with his counterpart Markos Kyprianou and was also received by President Demetris Christofias.
During their talks, the two Ministers discussed bilateral relations, developments in the Middle East and the cooperation between Cyprus and Syria in the framework of international organizations. Kyprianou also briefed his Syrian counterpart on developments on the Cyprus problem.
Commenting, he described Syria as a friendly country which has stood by Cyprus during difficult times.
He added that the issue of the illegal Latakia-Famagusta ferry link was discussed and said that a solution to the problem will be found soon.
Kyprianou and al-Muallem will sign an agreement between the Cyprus and Syrian governments on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports, as well as sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations between the two countries.
Plans for today include a visit to Larnaca Castle, the Jami Kebir and Umm Haram mosques and the Byzantine Church of Saint Lazaros
A more detailed statement is expected later today
August 28, 2008, Cyprus Mail 2008
