Damascus, (SANA) – President Bashar al-Assad discussed on Wednesday with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos developments in the region and the stalled peace process and its future prospects. President al-Assad affirmed that Israel is not serious about achieving peace since all facts point out that Israel is pushing the region towards war, not peace.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the historic and distinguished bonds between Syria and Spain on various levels, underlining the importance of these ties in bolstering communication among the peoples of the Mediterranean.

The two sides also discussed the prospects of developing relations between Syria and the European Union, which is currently presided over by Spain.

For his part, Moratinos pointed out that the problems of the Middle East will be a priority for the European Union during his country's presidency, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between Syria and Spain regarding various issues of the region.

He also expressed appreciation of Syria's positive role for the establishment of security and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, Assistant Foreign Minister Abdulfattah Ammoura, the Spanish Ambassador in Damascus, and the delegation accompanying Minister Moratinos.

President al-Assad held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in October 2009 in Damascus on developing the bilateral relations between the two countries, the situations in the region and the relations with the EU and the efforts to achieve the peace

H. Zain / A. N. Idelbi / H. Sabbagh/
From sana.sy