OREANDA-NEWS. August 26, 2010. President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic Walid al-Mouallem.

"I believe that restoration of the dialogue at the highest level will give a strong impetus to Ukrainian-Syrian relations. Ukraine will be happy to welcome Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, " said Viktor Yanukovych.

President Yanukovych noted significant potential for cooperation between our countries in such areas as oil and gas industry, space exploration, capital construction, agriculture, transportation, aircraft and machinery building, electrical energy, high-tech and so on.

Ukraine and Syria should take concrete steps to use this potential and implement mutually beneficial joint projects, said Viktor Yanukovych.

The President dedicated particular attention to cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Syria, which has family ties between the citizens of Ukraine and Syria as its foundation.

Viktor Yanukovych expressed hopes that the issues of mutual recognition of Syrian and Ukrainian diplomas will soon be resolved.

"I am confident that holding the Days of Ukrainian Culture in Syria will contribute to convergence of our peoples, their spiritual enrichment and strengthening of mutual trust," the President said and added that Ukraine hopes for Syria’s support in conducting this important event.

From his part, Syria’s Foreign Minister conveyed to President Yanukovych the best wishes of President al-Assad of Syria and congratulations on the Independence Day of our country.

"We felt that political stability now prevailing in Ukraine, as well as the economic development. We wish to establish and build true partnership with Ukraine for the benefit of our peoples," Walid al-Mouallem said. He expressed hope that trade turnover between Ukraine and Syria in the near future will increase significantly.

Syria’s Foreign Minister thanked the President of Ukraine for the invitation to the Syrian Head of State to visit Kyiv.