 | Assad looking large and in charge all of a sudden...but Schroeder is EX-chancellor, he's ostensibly at the economic forum, what's he doing on a state visit? Maybe he's representing Putin at this thing. |
Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder met here Saturday with President Bashar Al-Assad and discussed the situation in Iraq, conditions in the Palestinian territories, terrorism and the political role of Europe in the Middle East. A statement by the presidential palace said both men discussed the Syrian-UAE economic forum, which was kicked off earlier today, and the investment opportunities in Syria. Al-Assad and Schroeder affirmed need that security prevailed in the region thus reviving economy, said the statement. Schroeder also met vice-president Farouk Al-Shara and discussed the Middle East peace process and bilateral relations. |