"Currently business connections become of the prime importance," Mr. Primakov said having added that a number of contracts concerning the construction of objects in Syria were currently being prepared.
Among the projects Mr. Primakov named the prospecting and extraction of oil and gas in Syria, restoration and development of road network and the construction of an industrial center. "The joint fulfillment of these projects became possible after the solution of the Syrian debt to Russia," he stressed.
Mr. Primakov also noted that the readiness to cooperate jointly on a number of projects is important as well from the geopolitical point of view, considering the situation in the region. "In case the ideas of some circles, which try to divide the world in accordance with the national and religious affiliations, gain the upper hand, the whole human race will stop in a dead-end," he said having pointed out to "the necessity to form a united front of sensible forces in order to fight against the international terrorism."
Mr. Primakov noted that the positions of Russia and Syria coincide on many issues in the Middle East, in particular on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the situation in Iraq. According to him, the both countries in regard to Palestine believe that all sides must unite their efforts in order not to undermine the achieved agreements, which can open the way to the settlement of the conflict.
As for Iraq, Mr. Primakov noted that Russia and Syria speak for the transformation of power to Iraqi people and urge to do everything possible so that the country would remain united.
In his turn Amir Lutfi, the Syrian Economy and Trade Minister believes that the political relations between the two countries should rest on the solid economic base. "Last year the trade turnover between the two countries was a mere $220 million. Which is a very low indicator," he said having added that Syria is ready to open its doors to Russian business and investments.
