DAMASCUS , (SANA) – Syria's Tourism Minister Sa'adallah Agha al-Qala stressed on Wednesday the deep-rooted ties connecting Syria and Algeria, pointing out to the role of tourism relations in enhancing and strengthening the joint cooperation between the two countries.

            Meeting a media delegation from the Algerian news Agency WAJ, the minister pointed out to the main steps taken by his ministry to develop tourism in Syria since 2001.

            The minister underlined that tourism number has increased by about 15% recently, "all due to the ministry's exerted efforts in that domain," the minister noted underlining that about 3,4 millions tourists visted Syria last year in addition to 2 millions visits by Syria Expatriate.

            He noted that more than 34 thousnads Algerian tourists visited Syria last year, "the number does not reflect the deep and historic ties connecting the two countries," he added.

            For their parts, the Algerian delegation showed great admiration of Syria and her important tourist landmarks, pointing out to the necessity of enhancing the tourism relations between the two countries in a way that serves both countries' interests.

A.Zeitoun / S.Younes