Yemen & Syria sign 13 agreements [Archives:2005/835/Front Page]
Yemen and Syria signed 13 agreements and executive programs of cooperation, covering economic, marine, transport, trade, culture, education media, justice, environment and other areas on Monday.
In a press conference, PM Abdulqader Bajamal said that Yemen and Syria decided to establish a joint sea transportation firm, confirming the meeting with his Syrian counterpart Mohammed Attri yielded positive results as it highlighted the imperative of exchange of trade and fishing in Yemen.
The Yemeni Prime Minister complained that the trade exchange is not very good at the moment. “There are some problems facing the boost of Yemeni-Syrian trade exchange and we have discussed how to overcome them,” he said.
He pointed out that the current low level of trade exchange estimated at $20 million per year is contrary to the hopes of the two countries in boosting their economic ties. He further explained that the two sides have agreed to involve the private sector as a main partner in the economic relations as the weak rate of exchange trade is due to the whole dependence on the public sector.
He disclosed that several agreements between the two countries have been signed but without enactment. A reliable source at the Cabinet told Yemen Times that over 100 agreements between the two countries have never been put into practice. “This is an Arab characteristic that we sign agreements without implementing them,” said Bajamal. However, he said that a special committee has been set up to follow up the implementation of such agreements. He further said that the two sides agreement to establish a fishing firm to work in favor of Syria in Yemen.
On the political level, he reiterated Yemen's support to Syria against the pressure it is under, particularly from the US. “We support Syria, our hearts support our Syrian brethren, and we will still support them. Syria was a staunch supporter of Yemen's unification and revolution.”
The Syrian premier challenged the Arab countries that Israel said have the intention to normalize their relations with it. “It is up to them to normalize or not. We will see the results. These countries will pay a high price for taking such a step. Syria will stay firm in its position,” he said.
The Syrian official said that his country was maintaining dialogue with all countries including the United States and that Syria prioritizes the support of fair peace in the region, regaining of occupied Arab lands and establishment of democracy.
During his meeting with the Syrian delegation, President Saleh braised the Syrian decision to withdraw its troops from Lebanon as that, according to him, would thwart any excuses that makes it a target.
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