Tunis, (SANA)- Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Ottri on Monday on Monday started an official visit to Tunisia to chair the Syrian side of the Syrian-Tunisian Higher Committee meetings.

Premier Ottri was welcomed at Cartage International Airport by his Tunisian counterpart Mohammad al-Ghannouchi, Syrian ambassador in Tunis Dr. Faissal al-Allouni and Tunisian ambassador in Damascus al-Hadi bin Nassr.

Premier Ottri, in a statement to reporters at the airport, stressed importance of these meetings which will be held in the framework of the Syrian-Tunisian Higher Committee and their role in enhancing and developing the firm relations between the two countries.

He also stressed importance of reaching proper mechanisms to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, and giving priority to the sea shipping sector as it is the main channel and contacts for the easy flow of goods between Syria and Tunisia.

Mr. al-Ghannouchi said these meetings of the Syrian-Tunisian Higher Committee constituted a significant opportunity to discuss and develop various forms of existing cooperation between the two countries, based on mutual desire and willingness to boost up trade and economic exchanges as well the sought-for cooperation in cultural, media and investment fields.

The Syrian delegation consists of the Ministers of Local Administration and Environment, Economy and Trade, Social Affairs and Labor, Information, Transport , and the Deputy Foreign Minister.  

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA