DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Asad received on Sunday State Minister Kursad Tuzmen, who is paying an official visit to Syria.
Following the meeting, Tuzmen told reporters that his meeting with al-Asad was very fruitful and positive.
Tuzmen said that he had the opportunity to explain the developments recorded in issues agreed to be taken up between two countries after al-Asad's visit to Turkey.
He informed al-Asad about timetable of signing of a free trade agreement between Turkey and Syria, formation of border trade centers and its timetable, improvement of cooperation and increase of reciprocal investments among free zones in two countries, contributions of Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) to stock exchange to be established in Syria, increase of cooperation opportunities among Turkish and Syrian banks, and problems that Turkish businessmen investing in Syria faced, Tuzmen noted.
Tuzmen pointed out that he also informed al-Asad about development of transportation and joint tourism packages.
''We have agreed to establish joint tourism companies between Syria and Turkey,'' Tuzmen said.
Tuzmen stated that he also informed al-Asad about clearing landmines in Turkish-Syrian border and opening this area to agriculture.
''We will set a timetable for all issues by a protocol we will sign today and thus, we will have a serious road map about initiatives to be exerted by two countries in coming days. We also took up regional developments in our meeting. I had the opportunity to express my own impressions,'' Tuzmen said.
Tuzmen noted that he also conveyed messages of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chief of General Staff to al-Asad.
Al-Asad also had messages to the president, prime minister and chief of general staff, Tuzmen stated.
Tuzmen said that he would convey those messages when he returned to Turkey.
Syria had very constructive approaches to regional peace in recent days, Tuzmen pointed out.
Tuzmen said that he and al-Asad also touched on those approaches during their meeting.
Al-Asad said that a bridge of friendship had been established between Turkey and Syria and they favored continuation of that friendship.
(BRC-AY) 07.03.2004