Damascus, SANA – The Indian Embassy in Damascus held on Thursday a reception to celebrate the 68th Republic Day at Dama Rose Hotel.
A number of senior Syrian officials attended the reception ceremony, including Speaker of the People’s Assembly and several government members, in addition to a number of accredited ambassadors in Damascus.
In his speech, India’s Ambassador Man Mohan Bhanot described the relationship binding his country with Syria as “unique”, noting that the friendship relations between Damascus and New Delhi was especially boosted last year through exchanged visits.
He referred to the visit of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem to India last January and the visit of India’s Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar last August.
The Indian Ambassador also made a reference to the 8th summit of the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), held in India, that affirmed support for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria through a Syrian-led political process.
India, he said, has always supported a peaceful solution that is to be reached by the Syrian themselves, noting that based on that, India has welcomed Astana talks.
He expressed hope that Astana efforts would lead to positive results.
Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad delivered a speech at the ceremony in which he voiced gratitude that the Republic of India has maintained close relationship with the Syrian people during the crisis.
He noted that India still receives around 100 Syrians continuing studies in various specializations against all odds.
Mikdad highlighted that India supports Syria in its war against terrorism and that both countries maintain coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
H. Said