Syria ready to increase cooperation with Lebanon: ambassador

BEIRUT, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel Karim Ali said on Monday that Syria is ready to cooperate with Lebanon at all levels, but Lebanon must show real intentions to do so.

"Syria has never closed its doors to any country especially Lebanon. We have agreements of cooperation between the two countries, but Lebanon did not work on activating these agreements. There should be initiatives by Lebanon in this direction," Ali told Xinhua.

Ali assured that Syria is always keen to cooperate with Lebanon which falls in the interests of both countries.

"The security situation in the region necessitates close cooperation between the two countries whether to face Israel or terrorists," Ali said.

Ali added that Lebanon has a great interest to open up to Syria to facilitate the export of its produce to the country or through Syria to other countries in the region.

"This will strengthen import-export activities in favor of both countries," he said.

Ali's remarks came in parallel to announcements by the Lebanese ministers Monday about the need to conduct direct dialogue with Syria to facilitate trade and increase business between the two countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Trade Hassan Mourad said in a tweet Monday that it is in the interest of Lebanon to cooperate and communicate with Syrian authorities to increase the export of goods from Lebanon to Syria.