Tunisian president meets Syrian FM to strengthen ties

Tunisian President Kais Saied (R) meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Tunis, Tunisia, on April 18, 2023. Tunisian President Kais Saied met on Tuesday with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as the two countries moved to resume diplomatic relations, said a statement released by the Tunisian presidency. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

TUNIS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied met on Tuesday with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as the two countries moved to resume diplomatic relations, said a statement released by the Tunisian presidency.

"During the meeting, Saied affirmed Tunisia's firm keenness to resume the strong and historical ties of brotherhood and cooperation between Tunisia and Syria," reads the statement.

The Tunisian president also highlighted the importance of increasing opportunities and frameworks for bilateral consultation and coordination in various fields, according to the statement.

According to a previous statement released by the Tunisian Foreign Ministry, "Mekdad's visit came within the framework of willingness to restore bilateral relations between Syria and Tunisia."

Mekdad's visit followed a decision made by the two countries on April 12 to reopen their embassies and resume diplomatic ties, after Tunisia severed its diplomatic relations with Syria in February 2012 in the wake of the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Tunisian President Kais Saied (L) shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad during their meeting in Tunis, Tunisia, on April 18, 2023. Tunisian President Kais Saied met on Tuesday with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as the two countries moved to resume diplomatic relations, said a statement released by the Tunisian presidency. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)