Syrian PM hails achievements of Assad's visit to L America

Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Otri called on the Syrian Ministers Council to attach great importance to the achievements of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad 's visit to Latin America, local daily Al-Watan reported on Wednesday.

Otri also urged to speed up and carry out the agreements singed between Damascus and Latin American countries during Assad's visit.

Before heading for Spain, the Syrian president concluded his first tour to Latin American countries on Sunday, which took him to Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina, aiming at boosting political, economic and cultural relationships between Syria and these countries.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem gave a political presentation at the weekly Ministers Council meeting on Assad's visit, including the meetings and discussions held between Assad and his Latin counterparts, the report said.

On Monday, Syrian Political and Media Presidential Advisor Buthaina Shaaban confirmed that the president's visit to Latin America has achieved its goals.

Syria has stepped up efforts to make regional and international achievements in diplomacy in a bid to lower the effects of the international isolation led by the United States.

U.S. President Barack Obama renewed last month the Bush-era sanctions against Syria for another year, saying Syria posed an " unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States, accusing Damascus of supporting terrorist groups and pursuing missile programs and weapons of mass destruction, allegations always denied by Damascus.

Source: Xinhua