Damascus, (SANA)-Vice-President Dr. Najah al-Attar stressed during a meeting with visiting Qatari Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kawari that the Syrian-Qatari relations constitute with all its dimensions an example to be followed by the Arab countries.

Dr. al-Attar pointed out that culture which has united us throughout history as protector of Arab identity serves as a main factor in boosting up and strengthening the Arab relations and maintaining them in present and future.

The vice-President noted to the pan-Arab role played by Qatar, saying that Qatar, despite her small area, is the Arab country that carries a big message trough her pan-Arab role in closing the Arab ranks against calls for disunion.   

Dr. al-Attar stressed the importance of exchanged cultural activities in boosting up the civilized interaction among the Arabs, pointing out to the importance of initiating the Qatar Cultural Days in Damascus and their role in activating the public interaction between the two sisterly countries.

For his part, Dr. al-Kawari emphasized significance of the distinguished Syrian-Qatari ties, particularly under the current challenges and conditions, adding that these relations serve the Arab Nation's interests.

The Qatari Minister said the biggest challenge facing the Arab Nation is the cultural challenge as Arabism and Arabic language have become under danger.

Minister al-Kawari expressed his country's willingness to get use of the Syrian cultural experience, taking into consideration that Doha will be named Capital of Arab Culture in 2010. 

The meeting was attended by Syrian Minister of Culture Dr. Riad Na'asan Agha, his Deputy and the delegation accompanying the Qatari Minister.

Damascus will host the Qatari Cultural Days from 12 to 15 October. The activities include art, book, traditional handcraft exhibitions as well as traditional foods, poetry evenings, lectures and films.         

Earlier, Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Ottri discussed with the Qatari Minister and the accompanying delegation the firm bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries and means of enhancing them in different developmental fields.

The two sides discussed in particularly ways of further strengthening the cultural ties and exchanging cultural, art and media activities.

The program of events of the Qatari Cultural Days, which will be held in Syria as part of Qatar's participation in 'Damascus: Capital of Arab Culture 2008', was also reviewed during the meeting. 

The meeting was attended by Syrian Minister of Culture Dr. Riad Na'asan Agha. 

Syrian Minister of Information Dr. Mohsen Bilal and the Qatari Minister alos discussed in another meeting ways of further enhancing the Syrian-Qatari relations in different fields, particularly the media and cultural areas to help boost up Arab solidarity and presenting the civilized and human image of the Arab Nation.

Minister Bilal stressed depth of the bilateral relations, appreciating the role played by Qatar in resolving some of the issued faced by the Arab Nation.

The Minister pointed out to the desire to get use of the al-Jazeera Center for Training to train Syrian media men, highlighting the Qatari distinguished participation in the cultural events in Syria, especially the latest Palmyra Festival for Cultures and Arts and 'Damascus: Capital of Arab Culture 2008' Festivity.

For his part, Minister Kawari stressed his country's willingness to further enhance the relations between the two countries in different fields to help strengthen the distinguished friendship between Syria and Qatar.

The Qatari Minister pointed out to the important role played by Syria in enhancing the Arab joint action and solidarity, adding that Qatar is going to actively take part in the meeting of the Arab Ministers of Culture  and the conference of Arab Information Ministers and Communication which will be held in Syria mid-November.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA