Syria invites Indian investnment in oil, gas sectors

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Syria today invited Indian investment in the oil and gas sectors and IT and appreciated New Delhi's role in West Asia, particularly towards the Palestinian cause.

Visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem who held a meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed here today, told reporters after the meeting that Syria appreciated India's role towards the Arab cause.

He said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was keen to visit India and would do so shortly.

Mr Ahamed said India looked to Syria as a stabilising factor in West Asia.

The Syrian Foreign Minister later met Envoys of various Arab countries at a luncheon.

Mr al-Moallem who arrived here yesterday on a three-day official visit, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee last night.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region, particularly Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq.

The Syrian Foreign Minister briefed the Indian leaders on Syria's positive role to achieve security and stability in the region by asking Palestinians to return to dialogue and form a national unity government.

UNI