French PM in Syria to bolster diplomatic, economic ties
AFP
DAMASCUS- French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, the first head of state to visit Syria in 33 years, arrived Friday in Damascus on a mission to bolster diplomatic ties and forge new economic relations.
Cabinet members including French Economic Minister Christine Lagarde and Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand accompanied Fillon for the 24-hour visit, along with a delegation of top businessmen.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon (left) is greeted by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
"My visit is aimed at sealing our relations and allowing them to take a new step forward," the French premier was quoted as saying in an interview Thursday with the Syrian daily El-Watan.
Paris hopes to build economic ties with Syria at a time when the country is opening up more and more to foreign investments as part of economic reforms.
Diplomatic relations between France and Syria have warmed since Assad paid a landmark visit to Paris in 2008 for Bastille Day celebrations.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Damascus two months later, and Assad went to France in November last year.
France also wants to use its improved ties with Syria to help contribute to a Middle East peace settlement, including the resumption of Syrian-Israeli peace talks.
Fillon is also expected to discuss Iran, Syria's key ally in the region, before leaving late for neighbouring Jordan, where he is due to hold talks on Sunday.
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